Small arms: new models and new contracts

39

The NK433 modular assault rifle, first introduced in 2017, was offered by Heckler & Koch for the German army as a replacement for the current G36.

Strangely enough in this age of computer and information technology, that some types of weaponsexisting for many years, it seems, still have not solved all their technical problems. It is quite clear that the problems with assault rifles have not been solved yet. For some of them created in 90's, many criticisms were made that caused them to be replaced prematurely. The first was the licensed Spanish automatic rifle СЕТМЕ, which was replaced by the German G36, which is currently being changed again by a new model.



The French army began to receive new assault rifles, which will replace the FAMAS bullpup rifle, which has been in service since the late 70s. The HK416F rifle, created by the German company Heckler & Koch, was chosen to replace it (the numbers mean compatibility with NATO standards with magazines from M4 and M16, the letter F means France). A total of 117000 rifles will be purchased, and deliveries will run from 2017 to 2028. Initially, the contract provided for the supply of 102000 rifles, an increase of 15000 pieces is due to the needs of reserve units. About 93000 rifles are intended for the army, almost 10000 for ground units fleet and the air force. The contract also includes 10767 HK269F 40x46 mm grenade launchers, accessories, ammunition, spare parts and technical support for 15 years.

Small arms: new models and new contracts

The Heckler & Koch HK416 rifle was chosen by France; most of the rifles will go into service with the ground forces


In June 2017, the first two units of the French army received their NK 416 rifles, which will replace the current FAMAS rifle of bullpup layout, which has been in service since the end of 70's

The army will receive 5300 rifles in 2017 year, then in the period from 2018 to 2023 will receive 10000 rifles per year, and in the last five years of the contract supply will be reduced by half. The army’s share will allow the entire personnel of the combat units of the ground forces to arm, and these are the 77000 military, as well as those who are not part of these units, plus the personnel of the reserve units. The first two army units received HK416F in June of this year: the 1 th sniper regiment received a batch of 150 rifles and the 13 th brigade of the Foreign Legion batch of 250 pieces. Regarding the new elements: in comparison with the previous FAMAS rifle in the new model, the shop on 30 cartridges against 25; the HK416F rifle also has a mirror-symmetrical design, that is, it adapts easily to both right-handed and left-handed people, which cannot be said about clarion (French horn, the unofficial name FAMAS), which was produced in two different versions; butt adapts to the size of a soldier. The Picatinny trims are mounted on the barrel cover, which allow installing additional systems, for example, the 40-mm grenade launcher HK269F also has a double-sided design, a handle with a bipod, optical sights, etc.


FAMAS rifle complex FELIN

The HK416F rifle will be produced in two versions: 38505 units for infantry units are purchased in the standard version of the HK416F-S with an 14,5 inch barrel, and the remaining 54575 units under the designation HK416F-C (Court - shortened) will be equipped with an 11-inch barrel. Currently, most of the infantry units are armed with a FAMAS FELIN rifle, adapted to the combat equipment of the French army FELIN. In order to preserve the capabilities of the FELIN complex, these units will retain their old assault rifles for some time, since the army plans to release kits for adapting the new rifle to the next stage of the FELIN program around 2020. The French army in 2020-2021 years plans to upgrade a total of 14915 rifles HK416F-S, the work will be carried out at the division level. In time, determined by the command, the troops will receive a new combat equipment FELIN 2.0, which is a further development of the current system, with a special emphasis on mobility and modularity, as well as weight loss.


The NK433 rifle, which is easily adaptable both under right-handed and left-handed, can be equipped with an 40-mm NK269 grenade launcher also with a “two-sided” design, since it can be opened to the right or left side

The Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle is nevertheless considered a successful platform to this day. The last known contract was with Lithuania for an improved version of this rifle under the designation G36 KA4M1. Improvements are mainly related to ergonomics: new stock, barrel pad and rifle scope guides. Lithuania also purchased a new NK269 grenade launcher of "double-sided" design. The Lithuanian army has already received a number of G36 rifles; a 2016 contract worth 12,5 million euros provides for the delivery in 2017 of an undisclosed number of rifles and grenade launchers.

Germany finally decided to replace this assault rifle G36, adopted in the middle of the 90-s. In April 2017, the German Defense Procurement Department opened the System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr competition. Applications should have been submitted by the end of May, but there was no official information from applicants. The predicted number of rifles should be of the order of 120000 pieces; The selection will be made next year, while production should start in the middle of 2019 and go before the start of 2026, the value of the contract is estimated at 245 million euros. Little is known about the requirements for a new rifle: weight without 3.6 kg magazine, two barrels of different lengths, rifle durability, barrel life at least 15000 shots, receiver life twice as high as average. Strangely enough, the requirements do not say anything about the caliber, which allows applicants to offer weapons of both NATO standards, 5,56x45 and 7,62x51, although the first one seems to be preferable.


The need of the German armed forces in the new assault rifle is about 120000 units. The document does not say about the caliber, but all known applicants are likely to focus on the caliber 5,56 mm

Among the applicants we will no doubt find three national solutions offered by Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall and Haenel. It remains to be seen how many foreign applicants such as FN and SIG Sauer can try their luck in this competition, given the irresistible desire of the German parliament to keep money in their country.

In February 2017, Heckler & Koch presented its new modular assault rifle NK433, which combines some of the best practices and the best characteristics of the G36 and NK416 rifles, but at the same time its cost is lower than the cost of NK416. It belongs to a gas-operated weapon with a gas piston with a short stroke, made separately from the bolt carrier, and locking the bolt of an optimized shape for 7 lugs. The barrels are modular, quick-detachable and are made in six configurations with lengths of 11, 12,5, 14,5. 16,5, 18,9 and 20 inches; chrome-plated inside the barrels are made by cold forging. Self-lubricating sliding bolt parts minimized maintenance of the weapon. At the request of the Bundeswehr, the NK433 rifle has a three-position translator of fire modes: "on safety", "single" and "automatic"; the rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. An adjustable gas outlet allows the installation of a silencer. The standard magazine corresponds to NATO STANAG 4179, however, using a special kit, the NK433 rifle can be equipped with a G36 magazine. The lower part of the receiver can be replaced with a G36 or AR-15 receiver, which allows the user not to change their habits acquired with the previous weapon, thereby reducing the amount of combat training. The rifle has a right-folding buttstock with a length-adjustable shoulder rest with an adjustable cheek piece. You can shoot with the stock folded; Replaceable grip covers allow it to be adapted to the shooter's hand. The receiver is made of aluminum, equipped with a NAR (NATO Accessory Rail) STANAG 4694 standard, the receiver has a Picatinny / NAR rail at 6 o'clock. At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, we find Nkeu adapters. H&K offers a shot counter that can be downloaded from a short distance using RFID technology. In addition to the 5,56 mm caliber version, the new N&K rifle is also available in the .300 AAC Blackout (7.62x35) cartridge, the 7.62x39 mm version was designated NK123, while the 7.62x51 mm version was designated NK231.


The latest development from Heckler & Koch HK433, whose modular concept allows you to adapt it to the habits of users of the G36 or M4

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher have teamed up to take part in the competition to replace the German G36 rifle and offer the RS556 (Rheinmetall - Steyr 5.56) model, which is a further development of the STM-556 karabiner. represented by an Austrian arms company in 2012. The lower receiver is the same as the AR15 rifle, however, refined for left-handers. The rifle is equipped with a more reliable and significantly less sensitive to pollution system with a short stroke of the gas piston. The piston acts on the rod, which moves the bolt carrier back, and is locked with a rotary bolt. The slide frame parts are made of steel, while the top and bottom receiver boxes are aluminum. For a rifle five barrels of different lengths are available, no tools are required to replace them. These solutions are inherited from the Steyr AUG model. The rifle has a four-position gas regulator, which can operate in normal mode, in the mode of difficult operating conditions, in firing mode with a silencer and with completely blocked exhaust of gases. Telescopic polymer butt has 7 length adjustment positions. In addition to the 5,56 mm caliber version, models are also offered for .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x39 mm cartridges.


The Rheinmetall RS556 rifle is in many ways similar to the AR-15 family

The third German applicant, Haenel (although it is owned by the Emirates company Tawazun), proposed another AR36 rifle in the G15 substitution competition. The principle of operation of the model Haenel Mk 556 based on the removal of powder gases from the barrel. The butt is also reminiscent of the M4 butt, with five trunks of different lengths being proposed. Three-position fuse-translator shooting modes allows you to fire single shots and continuous bursts. Depending on the choice of the customer, there are two options for it: fuse-single-automatic respectively on 0 ° -60 ° -120 ° or on 0 ° -90 ° -180 °. The pull force is 3,2 kg, all controls and adjustments are suitable for both hands. The barrel pad is equipped with four guides NAR, also installed folding mechanical sights.


The Bundeswehr contract for a new assault rifle attracted the attention of Rheinmetall, which teamed up with Steyr Mannlicher to offer RS556, a modification of the STM-556 model


The latest known buyer of Accuracy International’s latest development - the AMXC338 assault rifle chambered for .338 LM - was Lithuania

If everything is more or less clear with the three German applicants, then little is known about possible foreign applicants. In principle, all major manufacturers of small arms are able to present interesting solutions. Another vague point concerns the possible common system of France and Germany, proposed by France at the end of 2015, when the NK433 rifle had not yet been “published”.

Another competition, albeit a substantially smaller scale, was announced in Germany in January 2017. This time the new rifle became necessary for special operations forces. The Department of Defense Procurement determined the need for 1705 rifles, which still need to add five pieces for evaluation tests and another 40 for acceptance tests, that is, the winner will have to deliver a total of 1750 rifles. As for the requirements for a rifle, some of them are known: a rifle chambered for 5.56x45 mm with a short stroke of a gas piston, a barrel life of at least 10000 shots, a receiver three times longer. The rifle must adapt to right-handed and singing and be equipped with STANAG 4694 guides on the receiver trim and receiver so that you can install accessories such as a laser module, flashlight and other devices. The weapon must be compatible with the silencer and must have a length of less than 900 mm without a silencer; the maximum weight without a magazine and optics must not exceed 3,8 kg.

Rheinmetall will undoubtedly offer its RS556 model for this competition, however, Heckler & Koch should offer their NK416A5 or NK416A5 models, while Haenel's participation is still in question. As with the aforementioned competition, little is known about foreign applicants who might take part in the German competition. German special operations squadrons (KSK) began to receive the new Haenel RS-9 .338 LM sniper rifle in 2016, designated G-29 in the Bundeswehr. The length of the weapon is 1275 mm, the barrel length is 690 mm, with the stock folded, the total length is reduced to 1020 mm. The KSK special forces chose the Steiner Military 5-25x56-ZF sight, to which, in the case of firing at close range, the Aimpoint Micro 1-2 collimator sight is attached. In June 2017, spetsnaz began to receive a B&T Monoblock silencer specially designed for the .338 LM caliber. It adds another 222mm to the rifle's length and another 652 grams to its weight, which is 7,54kg without accessories.


More recently, it became known that the new G95 assault rifle (HK416A7) will replace the automatic G36KA1 / A2 / A4 automatic rifles. A new weapon will go into service with units of special operations forces of the ground forces and naval special forces.

Another country that recently chose the .338 LM caliber for its snipers was Latvia, which bought an unnamed number of Accuracy International AHMS rifles at the end of the 2016 year. This is a big breakthrough in terms of accuracy and range, since before that Lithuanian snipers were armed with semi-automatic rifles of caliber 7.62x51 mm.

Staying in the sniper world, some young participants joined historical brands. For example, the Austrian Ritter & Stark with its modular rifle SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle, available chambered for 7.62x51 300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, and the Italian Victrix, whose portfolio includes four bolt action rifles, the Pugio chambered for 7.62x51, Gladius chambered for 7.62x51, .260 Remington and 6.5 Creed, Scorpio chambered for .338 LM and .300 Win, and Tormentum chambered for .375 and .408 Cheytac, were recently acquired by Beretta. Staying true to Beretta, Poland recently bought 150 Sako M10 modular rifles chambered for .338 LM.


The company Beretta after the start of production of an ARX200 rifle chambered for 7.62x51 mm has already transferred the first installments of the Italian army




Beretta Stable Beauties, inherited from Victrix (from top to bottom): Victrix Scorpio, Victrix Tormentum, Victrix Pugio

As for assault rifles, Beretta supplies its ARX-200 combat rifles to the Italian army. These 7.62x51 mm caliber rifles will allow Italian combat units to increase their combat capabilities compared to previous 160 mm caliber Beretta ARX-5,56 rifles. Beretta should soon start developing a semi-automatic version of the ARX-200, which will become in the company's pure portfolio a rifle for the Marxman (the lowest level in shooting accuracy in the classification adopted in the US Land Forces).


A significantly improved version of the Bren 2 original Bren assault rifle was adopted by the Czech army, which is currently receiving the first batches


Bren 2 in different configurations: (top to bottom) with an 14 inch barrel, an 11 inch barrel and an 8 inch barrel

Many armies adopt new rifles. At the end of last year, the Czech Army received the first batch of CZ Bren 2 assault rifles. 2600 pieces were ordered, 1900 with a barrel length of 356 mm and 700 rifles in a shortened configuration with a barrel length of 280 mm. Also at the end of 2016, the Dutch naval special forces received their short-barreled SIG MAX carbines, becoming the first among the special forces to switch to the .300 Blackout caliber; new carbines will replace submachine guns in melee. Among the munitions that are included in the contract, you can find not only standard cartridges and cartridges with subsonic bullets, but also lead-free thin-walled bullets that allow you to avoid rebounding when working in confined spaces. In early January 2017, the Turkish army received the first batch of 500 assault rifles MRT-76 7.62x51 mm from the company MKEK; according to the 35000 rifle contract, two companies will manufacture, MKEK will manufacture 20000 units, and KaleKalip, respectively, 15000 units. At IDEF 2017, MKEK presented its new assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45 mm MRT-55 (Milli Piyade Tiifegi - national infantry rifle), which comes in two versions, standard with a barrel length 368 mm and shortened (MRT-55K). The new rifle is distinguished by a vapor system with a short piston stroke, similar to that of an AR-15 rifle; it was designed to meet the needs of the Turkish special forces; At the end of the 2016, 20000 rifles were ordered. In addition, the MRI-76 rifle version with a table length 508 mm was introduced, which was designated KNT-76 (Keskin Nisanci Tiifegi - sniper rifle); A variant of the KAAN-717 carbine with a barrel length of 305 mm was also shown. As for Russia, it is very active in the small arms market. For example, Venezuela is building in Maracay a plant for the production of Russian AK-103 and AK-104 automatic rifles, as well as cartridges of 7.62x39 mm, which should open in the 2019 year.


The Israel Weapons Industries family of automatic weapons is a further development of the Galil machine gun. Photo Galil ACE models 21, 22 and 23 (top to bottom). Israeli company recently signed an agreement with Indian Punj Lloyd on the creation of a joint venture for the production of small arms of various calibers

India has always been and remains one of the main potential customers of small arms. Its market for small arms is estimated at several billion dollars. The Indian Ministry of Defense recently issued a request for proposals for the purchase of a limited number of 7,62 mm caliber assault rifles, submachine guns and pistols for special forces of the Air Force. But this is only the tip of the iceberg of contracts aimed at retooling the Indian armed forces. Foreign companies merge with local firms. There is no need to go far for an example. The Israeli company IWI in May 2017 of the year established a joint venture with Punj Lloyd, known as Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems, no joint production of small arms. The historical opponent of India, Pakistan, is also in search of new small arms in order to replace their G3 rifles and the 56 Tour caliber 7.62x51mm and 7.62x39 mm. In search of potential contracts, several bidders, including FN, CZ, Beretta, are closely following everything that happens in the country in the field of small arms.

Finally a small summary table.



On the materials of the sites:
www.nationaldefensemagazine.org
www.globalpolicy.org
www.heckler-koch.com
www.rheinmetall.com
www.cg-haenel.de
www.steyr-mannlicher.com
ritterstark.com
www.beretta.com
iwi.net
en.wikipedia.org
www.militaryfactory.com
www.weaponslaw.org
www.bundeswehr.de
pinterest.com
armyman.info
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39 comments
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  1. +6
    21 November 2017 06: 43
    A very high-quality overview of assault rifles in the near future. Thank. I didn’t know about many. Yes, and to know now all this diversity is probably unrealistic.
    Try to at least a part .... crying
    1. +3
      21 November 2017 11: 44
      Give on the barrel and grenade launcher under a per capita contract! We will help a penny to our defense industry!
    2. +3
      21 November 2017 13: 00
      Thanks to the author for a detailed review.
    3. +3
      26 November 2017 16: 12
      The modern progress of the rifleman - it is necessary to switch to a more powerful single cartridge 6,5 Grendel in weapons, which allows you to use an optical sight with a thermal imaging attachment to it. What does the lover-apper scheme or its variation mean?
      Recently, DNO Firearms made a good example on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, although if there is a place for the sight, then it is no longer for the nozzle
      To use the nozzle, the weapon must be made according to SCAR / ACR-scheme or close to it
      Although in general the ordinary AK automatic machine of the hundredth series 5.45 is quite suitable, especially in our field conditions
  2. +5
    21 November 2017 07: 24
    A very interesting review, but nothing fundamentally new is presented, the Futuristic body kit is indisputable, for Hollywood it’s the best for a toy store. Even if you stuff this magnificence with a variety of integrated electronics, as suggested by colleague Voyaka uh, the cartridges will remain from the idea of ​​the 19th century and for a long time to come , and the automation circuits are not very young! Personally, I can’t offer anything, there are people who are more competent, I’ll wait what they say!
    1. 0
      21 November 2017 07: 31
      And without changing the principle of operation of the ammunition now, nothing will turn out to be fundamentally new ... On the other hand (judging by the airball), the body kit also means a lot of things and it's not about Hollywood show-offs. By the way, in the first photo, if I'm not mistaken, I’m wearing a helmet it’s not combat))
      1. +1
        21 November 2017 07: 59
        Here, here I am about the same thing. I do not diminish the advantages of the body kit, it increases the effectiveness of weapons significantly, but where are the innovations? What proposals will there be?
        1. +5
          21 November 2017 09: 39
          Quote: andrewkor
          I do not diminish the dignity of the body kit, it improves the effectiveness of weapons significantly, but where is the innovation? What proposals will there be?

          Wangyu, increasing the effectiveness of the shooting will lie precisely in the body kit area. Further informatization will allow, relying on the Network, to determine the range to targets without any rangefinders, automatically take into account the shooting conditions and lead when shooting at moving targets. Shoot at unobservable or hidden fog / smoke / aerosol curtains targets without any rangefinders, if the target is observed from any reconnaissance means, including UAVs and "flocks" of micro UAVs. Including tools to "see through the walls."
          Thermal imagers, nightlights and conventional optics will be mutually integrated and an aiming system will appear combining "all pictures" into one, including information from external sources. In turn, each rifle will become a source of intelligence for the Web, having received not only a built-in inertial navigation device with the introduction of corrections according to global positioning data, but also goniometric sensors that determine the spatial position of the rifle in azimuth and elevation.
          All this can be done right now. The problems are solely in cost, in weight and in energy sources to ensure the operation of electronics.

          ====
          With the change of the rifleman itself, everything is more complicated. Everything rests on the natural conservatism in the field of ammunition. Well and again in energy, weight and cost. Not allowing at the moment to apply electrothermochemical solutions, electromagnetic mass accelerators and liquid propellants.
          1. 0
            21 November 2017 10: 01
            Well, it’s not a problem to put a nightlight on optics (at least foreign ones, we haven’t heard about this, and optics in our equipment is mainly from there), a teplyak is a little expensive for an individual soldier .. Transferring information from an UAV to a sight is also like Something doesn’t look very good, now it seems like someone. A platoon in new complexes has a tablet for such things, although this is all within the framework of the experiment, and every soldier doesn’t really need it. What does a fighter do in battle? It shoots, but for the exchange of information and coordination there are platoon officers, squad leaders, etc.
            With the rifle, everything is really complicated, I don’t think that army officials will especially refuse from conservatism without switching to a fundamentally new one, the same railguns and so on ... Although a cartridgeless cartridge, it would have looked very good with a rifle a la P90, but price ... The price is incredible such a transition
            1. +3
              21 November 2017 10: 29
              Quote: parma
              Well, a nightlight and now it's not a problem to put on optics

              They are only now beginning to combine a thermal imager and a nightlight, and using pseudo color. Including highlighting targets with the temperature of the set range (for hunters - "raise the color" of the target with the temperature of the animal)

              Quote: parma
              Information transfer from UAV to sight

              No not like this. Transmission to the Network. There, this information is processed, a 3D model is built, and transmitted to the sight in an already "chewed" form. Like in computer games, when the silhouette of the target is “visible” behind the wall

              Quote: parma
              I don’t think that army officials will especially refuse from conservatism

              Not army ranks, but procurers. Military and civilian. They will refuse.
              1. 0
                21 November 2017 14: 58
                Quote: Spade
                . Like in computer games, when the silhouette of the target is “visible” behind the wall

                There is no point in implementing such a system in the sight of weapons. It will be more effective in augmented reality glasses. But all this will definitely not be in the next 50 years. In the best case scenario, integrated optics will be done for snipers, and then they’re snooping around ...
                1. +2
                  21 November 2017 17: 52
                  Quote: ProkletyiPirat
                  There is no point in implementing such a system in the sight of weapons.

                  Yes, because before pulseless rifles even as before Beijing in reverse. And therefore, it’s impossible to get a shot when shooting from a belly for a very long time.
                  1. 0
                    21 November 2017 18: 00
                    pulseless rifles have nothing to do with it, just through the walls it is more convenient to look through the glasses, and not through the scope.
                    1. +2
                      21 November 2017 18: 10
                      Quote: ProkletyiPirat
                      pulseless rifles have nothing to do with it, just through the walls it is more convenient to look through the glasses

                      Why watch and not shoot?
                      1. +1
                        21 November 2017 20: 34
                        Are you going to shoot through the walls? Here, the main thing in the heat of battle is to determine the location of the enemy in order to have a tactical advantage over him. And the glasses have large viewing angles and it is corny more convenient in comparison with the sight. And the same glasses do not interfere with aiming for shooting through the wall. If necessary, the possibility of such shooting ...
                      2. 0
                        21 November 2017 20: 48
                        you can shoot at least with a fly if you already see the target in your glasses. It’s another matter that after all, it’s a good idea to duplicate such a system in sights, because maybe you have a sight and other body kits, but there are no augmented reality glasses? Things happen.
                    2. +3
                      21 November 2017 20: 56
                      Quote: ProkletyiPirat
                      Are you going to shoot through the walls?

                      Why not?. Rifle through the wall if it is thin. Perhaps shooting through doors and windows. Well, and above the wall grenade launcher. After all, if there is a wall, there is not necessarily a roof
                      Quote: ProkletyiPirat
                      And the glasses have large viewing angles and it is corny more convenient in comparison with the sight.

                      One does not exclude the other. Rather, not even so, the display system of the information received from the sight can be any. Up to some kind of vibration bracelet that will signal the operator that the grenade launcher is aligned with the aiming line when firing mortar at angles of more than 45 degrees. Including the scope of the sight can be projected on augmented reality glasses.
                      1. +6
                        21 November 2017 23: 10
                        Your fighter will drown in this sea of ​​information, it seems to me. laughing
          2. +1
            24 November 2017 00: 26
            And you really started playing computer games, my friend. The real conditions of the sublevels will be any attempts of games. Believe me, our Kalash will be the most adapted weapon for a long time. Even the guys from Alpha told me this. This I mean that I myself saw how at night it gives out a simple glow of a night sight. And all sorts of laser and infrared illuminations on complex surfaces are not visible. Their only application visible to me is shooting from hands from the hip.
            1. +2
              24 November 2017 08: 02
              Quote: Dedall
              This I mean that I myself saw how at night it gives out a simple glow of a night sight.

              Well, what am I talking about? It gives out.
              And ALREADY the existing system of passive range determination, based on cloud computing, does not unmask itself. There is a 3D terrain model, there is a relative position of the target and local objects, the coordinates of which are “driven” into the model. We get the coordinates of the target, including polar relative to the arrow. By directional again in the "cloud" take into account the score. wind and other shooting conditions, and, having a topo to the target, the weapon model receives the calculated sight and turnaround. Which are introduced by changing the position of the reticle
              And this, I repeat, without unmasking the shooter with nothing.
        2. +2
          21 November 2017 09: 50
          Caseless cartridges seemed promising, but apparently the technology had not yet grown up, they were experimenting with "liquid powder", but the matter also died out.
          They tried to make two or three bullet cartridges, but also remained exotic.
          As for various lasers and electromagnetic barrels, such as in the film "Eraser" .. Until there is a compact source of energy, this will be fantastic, especially since lasers in fog or snow lose their effectiveness.
        3. +3
          21 November 2017 10: 22
          Again, wang.
          Perhaps in the near future there will be "reconnaissance ammunition" for under-barrel grenade launchers. Not just a parachute camera, now available, but a system with optical, radar or laser sensors, scanning the terrain and transmitting the data to build a 3D model. Perhaps it will be a micro UAV or a "flock" of micro UAVs of several pieces, delivered by a grenade to the area of ​​operation in a container. Perhaps, with the help of a grenade launcher it will be possible to arrange sensors: seismic, motion sensors, volume change sensors.
          It is also possible that hand grenades will appear, combat or light and noise, which, when cleaning the premises before operation, will scan them and transmit information to the fighters' computers.
          Ammunition for grenade launchers will be greatly developed. Smart fuses, including solutions with a radar or laser altimeter, providing detonation at an ideal height for maximum "kill". Managed and adjusted ammunition launched from a grenade launcher, including those operating on the basis of a "shot-and-forget" principle.
          The warhead, in turn, will also be improved. On the one hand, in the direction of increasing "slaughter". On the other hand, the appearance of ammunition with a variable power of action at a target is very likely when not all of the charge is activated, but part of it.
          The appearance of specialized warheads is possible. First of all, to deal with armored vehicles, with cumulative warheads, or with a "shock core".
          It is very likely that there will be repackable “jammers” of electronic warheads, electromagnetic and microwave ammunition that malfunction electronics, microreters to ensure the stable operation of UAV communications
          1. +1
            21 November 2017 11: 04
            the grenade launcher himself, again purely my opinion, has outlived his life, he is being sedated and the resource is being reduced and much more is unpleasant with the main weapon ... It’s better as a separate ammunition
            1. 0
              21 November 2017 11: 29
              Thank you guys, I’ve enlightened, as you can see, the LMMs, masers lasers, as I can see, I won’t live!
              1. +3
                21 November 2017 11: 43
                You see, the review shows that the emphasis is on convenient quick-detachable
                body kits weapons. To change sights, without shooting. hit right away for sure.
                And the sights are more closely connected with electronics, and not just optics, as before.
                Lasers, apparently, will appear, but as a replacement for a heavy machine gun
                at distances of 1-1,5 km. And not with infantrymen, but in tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, where there is elektro-energy.
                1. +1
                  21 November 2017 15: 02
                  Well, the lasers in the atmosphere do not work properly (low efficiency, or missed something?), But the house rifles with disposable battery bullets (just a different source of energy, disposable powder), why not?
          2. 0
            21 November 2017 15: 07
            Quote: Spade
            Perhaps in the near future there will be "reconnaissance ammunition" for under-barrel grenade launchers.

            Will not appear, because
            1) such a system has a limit on the size
            2) such a system is limited due to shock loads
            3) such a system will be disposable
            In general, for the same reason, all kinds of “UAVs inside a grenade launcher” will not be purchased.
            After all, it is much simpler and more profitable to make a durable case for storage and transportation tailored to the UAV model, and not vice versa.
            1. +4
              21 November 2017 17: 50
              Quote: ProkletyiPirat
              such a system is limited due to shock loads

              She already exists. Moreover, the thermal imaging camera is cast. Called HUNTIR, it costs 400 bucks.
              Quote: ProkletyiPirat
              such a system has a limit on the size

              There are no special restrictions on the size. In this caliber there is already a guided missile with a semi-active laser seeker "Pike"
              1. 0
                21 November 2017 18: 09
                Well, yes, only the good of them? 400 bucks for exploring every corner? Micro UAVs are reusable, electronics in them are cheaper because it is unnecessary to make shockproof, and in addition you can still control the flight.
                1. +2
                  21 November 2017 20: 58
                  Quote: ProkletyiPirat
                  400 bucks for exploring every corner?

                  Most of them can be assembled, what's the problem? However, it is cheaper than the corpse of a trained fighter.
      2. 0
        21 November 2017 15: 28
        Quote: parma
        And without changing the principle of operation of the ammunition, now nothing will turn out to be done fundamentally new ...

        I do not agree, there are many areas not related to the principle of operation of the ammunition. for instance
        1) The operation of the gas exhaust system and the return system with different combinations of internal and external pressure WITHOUT special switches. - This is necessary for the use of various ammunition underwater, subsonic, supersonic, training, etc.
        2) New systems for storage and supply of ammunition based on the integration of the "store" and "tape".
        3) Integration of the silent and flameless firing system into the weapon itself
        4) Integration of the barrel cooling system
        5) Reducing the length of the weapon with the same barrel length
  3. 0
    21 November 2017 09: 25
    Weapons under low-pulse cartridges "drove" when switching to ESAPI and 6Б45-1.

    What's the point of waving fists after a fight.
  4. +2
    21 November 2017 16: 04
    Dreamers !!! Comfort yourself with shooting games and you will be happy. I’ll tell you a secret, ANYTHING WILL NOT CHANGE ANYTHING in the near future, at least until the invention of new physical principles for hitting a target (the laser is waiting for batteries). Night and thermal sights will decrease and connects with each other as you like. BUT !!!! I haven’t read a single thought about this .. Sights of sniper rifles will undergo changes in pointing and calculating the trajectory of a bullet in the automatic tracking and target recognition mode. And of course their sizes will be minimized. And it’s not at all a fact that constructively they will be quick-detachable ... The question is why should they be removed quickly? Meaning? Service is another question entirely. Further weapons on the principle of gyroscopic stabilization of the projectile’s flight will not go to the target. Well, in any case, until the laws of physics are repealed ...... And at least AT THE FLIGHT SECTION OF THE BULLET OR THE BALLOW to the target. Remember the torrent "SQUALL".
    1. 0
      21 November 2017 17: 47
      Well, here you went too far, it is very problematic to get the effect of cavitation in a gaseous medium. Yes, in principle, this is unnecessary. there are no such distances and speeds. In general, in addition to cavitation and a gyroscope, there are still feathered shells.
      1. +1
        22 November 2017 04: 45
        Did I really call the principle of cavitation? I gave an example of a non-standard approach to overcoming the physical properties of a medium. And with the “Pernatics" finished playing back in the late 80's. They don’t really give anything. Yes, the speed is frantic, but barrel wear (burning), a bunch of other factors, coupled with the impossibility of guaranteed target destruction by small "arrows" .. Yes and why? To shoot over the horizon? The accuracy of even sniper rifles is finite, and ends with the required accuracy characteristics for distances available to a particular caliber. For example, the most accurate sniper rifle that shot It Accuracy International AT 308. When I gathered a bunch of less than 200 arc minutes, about 0,5 centimeters, over 2 yards ... There was no limit to surprise. “Masha is good and not ours” .. But again, I would prefer SVD for a real mess, inferior to the “Akushka” by 2-3 times in accuracy, but it will win in mobility and rate of fire and reliability.
        1. 0
          22 November 2017 16: 15
          Quote: tracer
          Did I really call the principle of cavitation?

          Called, quote "Remember the torpedo" Squall. "
          Quote: tracer
          And with the “Pernatics" finished playing back in the late 80's. They don’t really give anything. Yes, the speed is frantic, but barrel wear (burning), a bunch of other factors, coupled with the impossibility of guaranteed target destruction by small "arrows"

          It’s not so simple with the pernatics, since most of the “pernatics” were tested on a beveled barrel cutting, that is, on a barrel cutting for gyroscopic stabilization of the projectile, as a result of this, the “birds” twisted along its axis and, in fact, “flew wherever they wanted” but not where they shot. " And for the use of "pernatics" you need either a smoothbore with ready plumage on the shells (the same BOPS) or a special direct cut slicing the plumage.
  5. +3
    21 November 2017 23: 27
    Quote: Doliva63
    Your fighter will drown in this sea of ​​information, it seems to me.

    Not at all. There is a network. There are officials who are involved in the processing of information.
    And there is an end user. A fighter, or the crew of a combat vehicle, or a pilot of an aircraft. Which receive already "chewed" information in the part concerning them. No more and no less.
  6. +4
    22 November 2017 00: 30
    Most amusingly, the French abandoned bullpups laughing - it seemed to be a promising scheme for lengthening the barrel with the same length of the weapon (but do not shoot at the sofa expert - he writes as best he can laughing ), although I personally would not like this “expert” if gunpowder charges (shells) would explode on my cheek, like in bullpup. It’s interesting that all the new assault rifles are everywhere similar to Kalashnikov - the shop has its horn below in front of the trigger with a pistol grip, a gas outlet channel above the barrel. If we meet aliens, will their machines be the same? belay
    1. +1
      26 November 2017 16: 16
      So bullpup was immediately a very dubious and uncomfortable arrow scheme. The French were the first to abandon them in large numbers,

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