Schatz
Schatz
US Incremental
Small Arms Fielding
Failures and Solutions
Part I - Small Arms
by Jim Schatz
052108
Introduction
2-part Presentation Q&As after Part II
- Part I Small Arms Jim Schatz
- Part II Ammunition Dr. Gary Roberts
Purpose
To create a national awareness and dialogue on
serious small arms issues for US war fighters
Not to cast blame
To breach the deeply ingrained institutional
resistance to incremental change
To affect positive, permanent change now
- Current small arms and ammunition
- In P&P to prevent repeated failures
Goal
Caveats
Not all services, organizations are the same
The larger the organization, the less they support the
true needs of the end user
There are well intentioned people trying to do the right
thing for the war fighter but are often smothered by
entrenched bureaucracy
Specific weapons, names, organizations omitted
All data and claims supported by reference materials,
6
public domain info and/or first hand knowledge
Definitions Part I
War Fighters End Users current US ground
combatants who engage the enemy with small arms
Select US Units Public domain. See Army Times
The System DoD organizations tasked weapons
acquisition, testing, fielding and logistical support of
US DoD small arms and ammunition. Contacted by
author for comment. Included herein where possible.
US Standard current issue
7
Definitions Part I
Incremental Improvements
- The 90% solution
- Available as COTS/NDI, modified COTS
- Significant advantages for the end user!
> Reliability: 7X that of US standard
> Service Life: 3 4X that of US standard
> Improved Accuracy: 30-50% increase
> Safety: OTB (2 vs. 6 sec. drain time), Increased
(60%+) Cook Off (210-240 vs. 120-150 rounds),
SBFA (catch live projectiles during blank firing)
> Weight Reduction
8
Definitions Part I
Incremental Improvements (cont.)
- Significant advantages for the end user
> Modularity, User Configurable, Controls: (SCAR,
XM8, USP)
> Parts Commonality: 82% between 5.56mm, 6.8mm
and 7.62mm (SCAR)
> Reduced Maintenance (user, maintainer): 72% less
cleaning time (any Op Rod system)
> Reduced Procurement Costs: (complete weapons,
barrels, piece parts)
> Reduced Life Cycle Costs: 45-75%
9
Prime Example:
Op Rod No Brainer (cont.)
The system presently has no mechanism or
11
small arms was Americas first Assault Rifle the AR15/M16 more than four decades ago!
12
Leap Ahead
Leap Ahead =
Looking past available incremental advantages
for the war fighter
Incremental weapons stagnation
NLT $430M
Increased risk to the end user
spent
Decay in US small arms ingenuity
since 1980
alone!
Increased cost to tax payers
Increased threat capabilities
Irreversible damage to the American
small arms industry
Loss of respect for the US small arms system 13
At Stake
14
At Stake
SGT Peralas B Co. 2/504 PIR 82nd Abn Div
16
At Stake (cont.)
SSG Jason Fetty US Army Reserve Silver Star recipient
Khost, Afghanistan February 2007 (3)
Staff Sgt. Fetty fired into his (suicide bomber) lower legs, then his
kneecaps. He stood back up, even though I gave him a crippling
wound. He got back up and tried to come at me again. He shot
again at the mans stomach. I abandoned all hopes of killing the
guy before he would explode. The blast came as he hit the
ground, peppering him with shrapnel in the face, leg and ankle.
noise, looked over and saw the ghostly apparition of the two men he
had shot clamber back to their feet, fumbling for their weapons. 17
At Stake (cont.)
CPT Nate Self
Ranger Regiment
Silver Star recipient
Shah-I-Kot Mountains,
Afghanistan
4 March, 2002 (5)
Cleaning
Rod taped
to an M16
Rifle
19
21
Handgun 62%
Carbine 82%
Rifle 80%
SAW 59%
22
23
Handgun 38 %
Carbine 18%
Rifle 20%
SAW 41%
29.25% Average!
24
27
28
30
35
28
26
23
Trickle Down effect. What the system buys often ends up in:
- All branches of our military
- US State Department/Embassy security
- OGAs (federal law enforcement, DOE, NRC, FBP, other)
- State and Local law enforcement
- Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
31
33
Years in Pipeline
Status
> 10
> 4*
> 2**
FUE CY08
M240E6
> 11
FUE 3QFY10
OICW/XM25
> 17
Pending
OCSW/XM307/312
> 13
Pending
Success Stories
36
37
39
41
Threat Successes
Russian AN-94
Shifted Pulse
Assault Rifle
5.45x39mm
pH doubled @ 1800 rpm ROF
In limited production and
fielding since 2001. Being
developed in 7.62x39mm.
The System has nothing
that competes with these
weapon capabilities!
A Long, Sad
History of Ignoring
the War Fighter
44
45
War of 1812
(1812 to 1814/15)
1811 John Hall invents breech-loading rifle with:
- Rifled bore for increased (2-3 times) range and
accuracy over muskets
- Interchangeable parts (versus hand fitted which
was the norm)
- Was deemed superior by every other kind
of small arm by US Army Rifle Test Board.
America enters another war with the Charleville
model 1763 Muskets (2 shots per minute, unrifled
bore) 36 years after the British had proven the
breech-loading Ferguson Rifle superior in battle!
49
Missed opportunities
1816 All-weather percussion cap invented and first used
in Europe. First field in the US 26 years later in 1842!
1827 Congress directs SECWAR to investigate the
failure of the US Ordnance Corps to manufacture and field
a breech-loading rifle 16 years after the Hall Rifle was
offered and 50 years after the Ferguson first killed
Americans in 1777!
1836 Repeating rifles from Hall tested again, along with
samples from Cochran, Colt and Hackett. Hall rifle judged
best. US Ordnance Corps opined the complex
mechanism of breech-loading weapons deranges and
perplexes the soldier.
1840 First bolt-action Dreyse Needle Gun repeating
rifle designed and fielded in Germany.
50
64
Vietnam Conflict
1958 - .258 caliber (between .22 and .30 caliber)
1960
June
67
Post Vietnam
1982 - America adopts the worlds only national service
rifle without a fully automatic mode of fire (M16A2 w/
3rb only)
1985 US adopts 9mm M9 Pistol to replace combat proven .45 ACP M1911A1 Pistol.
38% stoppages reported in combat (2006 CNAC Survey) (6)
1994/95 US adopts the M240G/B to replace the M60.
6.2 pounds (24%) heavier. No other weapons tested.
The only weapons considered were those already in
the inventory!
72
73
74
79
82
- Unit
- BCT
- Division
- Corps
- Command
- Proponent
- DA
- Joint Services
And back again. Few survive!
84
System R&D
Dysfunction
85
88
$18M spent!
31M rentals fielded!
90
- Unrealistic
92
93
95
False Start 1
March 2005 OICW Increment I Family of Weapons
Everyone
in the
Army has
high
confidence
in this
weapon
100
101
Proven Last
APG Dust Tests (cont.)
**The US Standard had 296 more Class I and II
stoppages than all 3 op rod
guns combined.
Armys response: These
tests were conducted in
extreme conditions that
did not address reliability
in typical operational
conditions. (13)
Ask those soldiers in the Armysponsored CNAC Soldier
survey who had stoppages in a
firefight if they agree!
102
System Answer
System Offers to look into:
106
The Cost
Argument
(Tail wagging the Dog!)
107
40% increase in purchase price ($523.84 in 2001, $980.00 in 2005, $1169.48 in 2007)
(15) (22)
109
110
Service Life
$1,000
(Qty Ks)
Superior
COTS
Weapon
$1,425
Superior
USG
Weapon
$1,800
Item
US Standard
Weapon
Cost (cents)
per rd. fired
X 20,000 rd.
Life Cycle
Cost =
X Division
Cost (18K) =
6,000 (2)
17
3,400
$61,200,000
24,000 (3)
.06
1,200
$21,600,000
35,000 (3)
.05
1,000
$18,000,000
(1) (#
rounds)
=
(Q 1)
(Qty Ks)
Superior Weapons 3.4X less costly to maintain over projected 20K round service life.
Superior weapons offer 67% lower life cycle costs.
Costs do not include: Armorers repair time/cost/training, piece parts, replacement
effort for user, logistical burden, serial number accountability, operator safety,
confidence, survivability.
(1)
(2)
US MIL SPEC
(3)
111
Service Life
$243
(Qty Ks)
Superior
COTS
Weapon
$475
Superior US
Weapon
$300
Item
US Standard
Weapon
Cost (cents)
per rd. fired
X 20,000 rd.
Life Cycle
Cost =
X Division
Cost (18K) =
6,000 (2)
.04
800
$14,400,000
24,000 (3)
.02
400
$8,000,000
35,000 (3)
.009
180
$3,600,000
(1) (#
rounds)
=
(Q 1)
(Qty Ks)
Weapons using superior barrels are 1.8 - 4X less costly to maintain over 20K rounds.
Superior Barrels offer 4 - 5.8X increased service life and 45 - 75% lower life cycle costs.
Costs do not include: Armorers exchange time/cost/training, piece parts, test fire,
replacement effort for user, logistical burden, serial number accountability, operator
safety (OTB), confidence, survivability.
(1)
(2)
US MIL SPEC
(3)
Every Problem
has a Solution
115
116
# 2 Unrealistic Requirements
Stop chasing Star Wars (SAMP, OFW)
- What does US select/SOF purchase,
field? Combine efforts.
- Efforts must focus on obtainable goals.
- Leap ahead efforts divert focus and
funds from end user requirements.
ANSWER: Look to the future
but buy what works, and now.
118
# 3 Changes in Direction
Too many Changes, False Starts, Revisions
- User Small Arms Advisory Panel (USAAP)
- Directs system on:
> Incremental Fielding Focus (1-3 years)
> Future Programs (3-5 years)
> R&D (5-10 years)
Answer: Form the USAAP now!
Answerable to Congress and SECDEF only!119
USAAP
(User Small Arms Advisory Panel)
122
# 6 System Support
The Small Arms Support System (Development,
Acquisition, Contracts, Logistics) must support
the direction/decisions of the end
user through the USAAP.
- Utilize the talents, facilities already in the system
- Stop chasing the Logistical Tail!
- The system works for the end user.
- More security for all by greater turnover of new
systems and system success
ANSWER: User/USAAP directs Support System
123
# 8 Promotion Suicide
Remove the Yes Man promotion rule
from small arms efforts
- Few AOs, PMs have small arms experience let alone
expertise
- Act on user/USAAP direction, not that of superiors
inexperienced with small arms who control a
subordinates future and push bad small arms
decisions
Then PMs will become true Action Officers
ANSWER: Make the system answerable
to the User/USAAP
125
# 9 Joint Efforts
Very few combined efforts today in US Small
Arms development yet the basic use
of small arms is the same
- Combine Requirements, Interagency
Participation and Support
- Generate Realistic User/USAAP
Based Requirements for Near Term Fielding
- User/USAAP Selection a must!
ANSWER: Joint efforts will bring success if User
requirements are supported by the system
126
# 10 Contract Limits
No Small Arms Contract should exceed 6 years
Regular contract awards will:
- Generate more competition, innovation,
willingness to participate by non-traditional
vendors
- Keep unit prices low and quality high
- Will leverage emerging technology more often
- Will respond to ever changing warfare
ANSWER: Restrict contracts to maximum
of 6 years for same item from same vendor
127
# 12 Avoid Distractions
System developed alternatives (NSAC/NSATC)
seldom bring value to the war fighter
- Costly duplication of effort. A distraction.
- Must pay to play ($1000 + 10%)
- Would Messrs. Hall, Maxim, Browning, Lewis,
Thompson, Garand, Stoner, etc. have paid to
participate?
ANSWER: Focus the existing support system on
rapidly answering the needs of the End User
129
# 14 Up gun Calibers
Reevaluate US self-imposed voluntary restrictions
on Ammunition and Projectile limitations for
Conventional US Forces
- Consider medium caliber for Americas
rifle/carbine and LMG
- Look at non-NATO calibers
- Look at Non-compliant Land of Warfare
approved projectiles (BTB, JSP, HP, etc.)
- Follow Select US Unit SOP, successes
- Develop an optimum weapon/ammo system
ANSWER: Adopt the very best in ammunition
131
and projectile technology
132
135
138
References
Excerpts Dangerous Weapons Jams Army Times 26 March, 2007
(2) Excerpts Army releases findings from 507th ambush Army News Service 17 July, 2003
(3) Excerpts Eye to eye with a suicide bomber - SOF Magazine February 2008
(4) Excerpts - Real world experience Combat Tactics Magazine - 2005
(5) Excerpts Why you wont get your hands on the Armys best carbine Army Times 26 February,
2007
(6) Study, Soldier Perspectives on Small Arms in Combat CNA Corp. - December 2006 (6)
(7) US Army News Release Army position: M4 Carbine is Soldiers battlefield weapon of choice 29
May, 2007
(8) Slide JSSAP briefing to NDIA SA - Joint Service Small Arms Roadmap - 15 May, 2002
(9) Slide JSSAP ARD-04, Light Fighter Lethality After Next - 2002
(10) Report DoD IG Program Management of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon Increment I
Report No. D-2006-123(PDF) 29 September, 2006
(11) Report ATEC Carbine Extreme Dust Test 17 December, 2007
(12) Article Dead last Army Times 24 December, 2007
(13) US Army News Release Army tests carbines for the third time in extreme dust 17 December,
2007.
(14) Article The XM26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System Small Arms Review November , 2007
(1)
(15) Spreadsheet
References (cont.)
(17)
White Paper Enhancement of Current Carbine & Rifle Capability using 6.8x43mm Rem. SPC
LCDR Gary K. Roberts, USNR 1 Jan. 2007
(18) Product Sheet M16A4 Rifle and M4 Carbine PM Soldier Weapons Oct. 2006
(19) Article The USAs M4 Carbine Controversy (2002 USMC Tests of M4 and M16A4) Defense
Industry Daily 30 July 2007
(20) Article US Weapons Budget under fire for overspending Defense News 1 April 2008
(21) Report Technical Evaluation Report for the Heckler & Koch (HK) 416 5.56mm Carbine and
M4A1 5.56mm Carbine NSWC Crane March 2006.
(22) Report Competition of the 5.56-Millimeter Carbine DODIG 26 Sept. 2006
(23) Article Giving M4 failures an alibi? Army Times 29 Dec. 2007
140
141
Incremental Excellence
Tomorrows
State-of-the-Art
Assault Rifle Today
By Jim Schatz
Introduction
Follow-on to the 2008 NDIA Paper
Incremental Small Arms Fielding Failures and Solutions
May 2008 - Dallas, TX
Explore the What If Possibilities for the War Fighter of:
Considering and cataloging superior incremental performance &
features scattered throughout the worlds leading assault rifles
Exploiting the 10 most important proven incremental enhancements
available in todays modern assault rifles
Conventional vs. Bullpup configuration
Quantifying Package Performance of the ultimate incrementally
superior assault rifle/carbine, or family of weapons, for near term
fielding (< 3 years)
Primary aspects covered others (ruggedness, safety, environmental
extremes) a given
* All data, claims supported by reference materials
143
Goal
147
35
28
26
23
Trickle Down effect. What the system buys often ends up in:
- All branches of our military
- US State Department/Embassy security
- OGAs (federal law enforcement, DOE, NRC, FBP, other)
- State and Local law enforcement
- Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
148
Definitions Part I
Incremental Improvements
- The 90% solution
- Available as COTS/NDI, modified COTS
- Significant advantages for the end user!
> Reliability: 7X that of US standard
> Service Life: 3 4X that of US standard
> Improved Accuracy: 30-50% increase
> Safety: OTB (0 vs. 6 sec. drain time), Increased
(60%+) Cook Off (210-240 vs. 120-150 rounds),
SBFA (catch live projectiles during blank firing)
> Weight Reduction: up to 20% (system)
149
Definitions Part I
Incremental Improvements (cont.)
- Significant advantages for the end user
> Modularity, User Configurable, Controls: (SCAR,
XM8, ACR/Masada)
> Parts Commonality: 82% between 5.56mm, 6.8mm
and 7.62mm (SCAR)
> Reduced Maintenance (user, maintainer): 72% less
cleaning time (any Op Rod system)
> Reduced Procurement Costs: (complete weapons,
barrels, piece parts)
> Reduced Life Cycle Costs: 45-75%
150
rifles/carbines was Americas first Assault Rifle the AR15/M16 more than four decades ago!
Threat Successes
Russian AN-94
Shifted Pulse
Assault Rifle
5.45x39mm
pH doubled @ 1800 rpm ROF
In limited production and
fielding since 2001. Being
developed in 7.62x39mm.
The US has nothing that
competes with these
weapon capabilities!
Example:
Description of
Performance Category
Legacy System
Performance
Example:
Incrementally superior
COTS/NDI System
Performance
Conventional Configuration
Comparison Table
10 current/modern Conventional-configuration Carbine-length Assault Rifles
Weapon
HK33K
G36K
865
(34.1)
Beretta
ARX 160
900
(35.4)
Overall
Length(1)
mm/(in.)
Barrel
Length
mm/(in.)
Muzzle
Velocity
mps/fps
Key
Features
SIG 551
AK102
860
(33.9)
Daewoo
K1A
838
(33.0)
322
(12.7)
840
(2756)
M4
HK416
824
(32.4)
XM8
BC
838
(33.0)
833
(32.8)
305
(12.0)
320
(12.6)
263
(10.4)
838
(2750)
N/A
820
(2690)
Averages
900
(35.4)
SCAR
L
889
(35.0)
838
(33.0)
363
(14.3)
314
(12.4)
318
(12.5)
368
(14.5)
368
(14.5)
355
(14.0)
330
(13.0)
N/A
850
(2789)
N/A
838
(2750)
N/A
826
(2710)
835
(2740)
859
(33.8)
OR K2
OR
OR,
OR
OR
OR,
ACH
OR,
OR,
OR
ACH
ACH,
Carbine
ACH,
ACH,
ECH
7-8/10
QCB
AFA
only
AFA,
QCB
ECH
ISM
option
AE
CC
(1)
Length provided is weapon in fighting configuration (buttstock fully extended, if applicable).
Note: Threat Standard (7.62x39 mm AKM) OL = 870/690 mm (34.3/27.2 in.) Bbl Length = 415 mm (16.34 in.) MV = 710 mps (2330 fps)
Note: OL on average is 529 mm (20.1 in.) longer than barrel length.
Key: ACH Ambidextrous Charging Handle AE Adjustable Ejection AFA Ambidextrous Forward Assist BB - Blowback
CC - Caliber Conversion (by user) ECH Exchangeable Charging Handle FE Forward Ejection
ISM Integrated Sight Module (reflex sight/lasers) LAM Laser Aiming Module OR - Op Rod Gas System
QCB Quick-change Barrel (w/o tools) SM Sight Mount permanent to barrel
BB
154
Bullpup Configuration
Comparison Table
10 current/modern Bullpup-configuration Carbine-length Assault Rifles
Weapon
FAMAS
AUG
F2000
QBZ-97
TAR-21
SAR-21
L85A2
A-91
805
(31.7)
Vector
CR-21
760
(29.9)
Overall
Length
mm/(in.)
Barrel
Length
mm/(in.)
Muzzle
Velocity
mps/fps
Key
Features
757
(29.8)
805
(31.7)
694
(27.3)
760
(29.9)
720
(28.4)
488
(19.2)
508
(20.0)
400
(15.8)
520
(20.5)
960
(3156)
940
(3084)
920
(3019)
BB
OR,
QCB
OR, FE
Averages
660
(26.0)
Valmet
M82
710
(28.0)
780
(30.7)
460
(18.1)
508
(20.0)
460
(18.1)
518
(20.4)
400
(15.8)
420
(16.5)
468
(18.4)
930
(3051)
910
(2986)
N/A
980
(3215)
940
(3084)
N/A
N/A
940
(3084)
OR,
ACH
OR, AE,
ECH,
LAM
SM
OR,
ACH,
LAM
OR
OR
OR,
FE,
ACH
OR
OR 9/10
FE
2/10
745
(29.3)
Note: Threat Standard (7.62x39 mm AKM) - OL = 870/690 mm (34.3/27.2 in.) Bbl Length = 415 mm (16.34 in.) MV = 710 mps (2330 fps)
Note: Bullpup average OL is 125 mm (4.92 in.) shorter than the AKM (stock extended) and provides @ 230 mps (755 fps) > MV
from a 52.3 mm ( 2.06 in.) longer barrel.
Note: OL on average is only 277(10.9) longer than barrel length.
Key: ACH Ambidextrous Charging Handle AE Adjustable Ejection BB - Blowback ECH Exchangeable Charging Handle
FE Forward Ejection ISM Integrated Sight Module (reflex sight/lasers) LAM Laser Aiming Module OR - Op Rod Gas
System QCB Quick-change Barrel (w/o tools) SM Sight Mount permanent to barrel
155
#1 Reliability
Most important aspect
of all combat
equipment all other
aspects are reliant
upon proper operation
when needed.
XM8
= 18,000 MRBS/F
= 7X more reliable in 2007
Extreme Dust Tests
SCAR L = 3.9X more reliable in 2007
Extreme Dust Tests
HK416 = 3.8X more reliable in 2007
Extreme Dust Tests
L85A2 = 25,200 MRBF
Legacy System
MRBS
MRBF
survival
Increased confidence
Enhanced unit
performance and
mission success
156
#2 Safety
End user must be
protected from
catastrophic equipment
failure under all
conditions.
1. 180-210 rds. (SCAR L),
> 240-270 rds. (HK416, XM8, G36)
2. > 900 rds. (G36)
3. Safety Blank Firing Adapter
catches 3+ live rounds
4. OTB capable (0-2 sec SCAR
L, 0 sec HK416)
#3 Probability of Hit
A System Accuracy
15
(38 cm)
300
(102 cm) meter
MER
40
20 (51 cm)
Optical/laser
sighting/targeting
systems enhance &
increase pH under most
operational conditions.
Integrated mounting
points and/or aiming
devices reduce system
weight and improve
weapon handling aspects
159
and pH.
BUIS
Laser pointer
Reflex sight
Other (Thermal, Magnified Optics)
#4 Ease of Use
A General
Soldier survivability is
enhanced when small
arms are easy to use,
simple to maintain and
instinctual in their
application under stress.
In armed encounters:
Reliable function
Speed of engagement
Precision
Equals user survivability160
#4 Ease of Use
Charging handle
Forward assist
Safety/selector lever
Magazine release
Bolt catch/release
c
d
f
e
Magazine catch/release
Bolt catch/release
S/S lever
Second location:
4.
5.
Charging handle
Forward assist
cd
XM8
#4 Ease of Use
C Modularity
#5 Lethality
5.56x45mm NATO M855
ammunition provides
diminishing terminal effects <
2,500 fps (762 mps) striking
velocity due to reduced
fragmentation and/or yaw.
Medium caliber (6.8x43mm Rem. SPC, 6.5mm Grendel,
7.62x39mm) user installable conversion kits (upper receivers, barrels,
bolts/magazine) provide enhanced (up to 55%) terminal performance at
the lower striking velocities often obtained from short-barreled carbines
desired for confined spaces use.
8 (203 mm) bbl LWRC 6.8x43mm PSD 115 gr. OTM @ 300m.
#6 System Weight
The elusive and highly desirable
attribute all soldiers want (yet
seldom acquire).
Second in importance to
reliability and
performance
( la US M240B 28
lbs, US M60 21 lbs.)
70 kg (155 lbs!)
#7 Maintenance
Reducing the frequency and
duration/difficulty of
mandatory operator
maintenance can insure user
compliance and thus system
readiness when called upon.
#8 Service Life
Improved (modern) performance
specs can result in increased
piece part and system service
life, resulting in substantially
reduced life-cycle costs and
improved system performance.
Bolt
Barrel
Bolt
6-10K rounds
Barrel
3-6K rounds
Magazine =
Receiver =
@ 50,000 rounds
US Standard
Weapon
Superior
COTS
Weapon
Superior
USG
Weapon
Unit Cost
($)
$1,000
(Qty Ks)
$1,425
Service Life
Cost (cents)
per rd. fired
X 20,000 rd.
Life Cycle
Cost =
X Division
Cost (18K) =
17
3,400
$61,200,000
24,000 (3)
.06
1,200
$21,600,000
35,000 (3)
.05
1,000
$18,000,000
(1) (#
rounds)
=
6,000 (2)
(Q 1)
$1,800
(Qty Ks)
Superior Weapons 3.4X less costly to maintain over projected 20K round service life.
Superior weapons offer 67% lower life cycle costs.
Costs do not include: Armorers repair time/cost/training, piece parts, replacement
effort for user, logistical burden, serial number accountability, operator safety,
confidence, survivability.
(1) # rounds that can be fired before parts replacement.
(2)
US MIL SPEC
(3)
167
#9 Performance
OL
mm (in.)
Barrel
Length
mm (in.)
MV
mps (fps)
Conventional
Bullpup
Bullpup
Difference
854 (33.6)
754 (2.93)
-112 (4.3)
-12
332 (13.1)
468 (18.4)
+136 (5.3)
+29
835 (2740)
940 (3084)
Bullpup Configuration
Comparison Table
10 current/modern Bullpup-configuration Carbine-length Assault Rifles
Weapon
FAMAS
AUG
F2000
QBZ-97
TAR-21
SAR-21
L85A2
A-91
805
(31.7)
Vector
CR-21
760
(29.9)
Overall
Length
mm/(in.)
Barrel
Length
mm/(in.)
Muzzle
Velocity
mps/fps
Key
Features
757
(29.8)
805
(31.7)
694
(27.3)
760
(29.9)
720
(28.4)
488
(19.2)
508
(20.0)
400
(15.8)
520
(20.5)
960
(3156)
940
(3084)
920
(3019)
BB
OR,
QCB
OR, FE
Averages
660
(26.0)
Valmet
M82
710
(28.0)
780
(30.7)
460
(18.1)
508
(20.0)
460
(18.1)
518
(20.4)
400
(15.8)
420
(16.5)
468
(18.4)
930
(3051)
910
(2986)
N/A
980
(3215)
940
(3084)
N/A
N/A
940
(3084)
OR,
ACH
OR, AE,
ECH,
LAM
SM
OR,
ACH,
LAM
OR
OR
OR,
FE,
ACH
OR
OR 9/10
FE
2/10
745
(29.3)
Note: Threat Standard (7.62x39 mm AKM) - OL = 870/690 mm (34.3/27.2 in.) Bbl Length = 415 mm (16.34 in.) MV = 710 mps (2330 fps)
Note: Bullpup average OL is 125 mm (4.92 in.) shorter than the AKM (stock extended) and provides @ 230 mps (755 fps) > MV
from a 52.3 mm ( 2.06 in.) longer barrel.
Note: OL on average is only 277(10.9) longer than barrel length.
Key: ACH Ambidextrous Charging Handle AE Adjustable Ejection BB - Blowback ECH Exchangeable Charging Handle
FE Forward Ejection ISM Integrated Sight Module (reflex sight/lasers) LAM Laser Aiming Module OR - Op Rod Gas
System QCB Quick-change Barrel (w/o tools) SM Sight Mount permanent to barrel
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#10 Accessories
Enhanced Features
grenade launcher
Shifted pulse
or Balanced
action operating
systems (AN-94, AEK-971)
ST Kinetics PPAB 40x46mm LV
System All COTS or near COTS
Available COTS
enhancements available
today to enhance legacy
performance, or to be
considered in new systems.
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Cold Hammer
Forged Barrel
SBFA
GP30 Grenade
Launcher
Negative
footprint
accessory
mounting points
pH = 2-3 MOA
Lethality
BTB projectiles
Medium caliber option
Increased Terminal Effectiveness
against unprotected and protected
targets
Centralized
Ambi controls
System weight
=/< 2.8 kg (6.1 lbs.)
(XM8 BC)
LW ammunition
High reliability
magazine
Maintenance
72% less operator cleaning
> 2X bolt service life
> 3X barrel service life
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2X receiver service life
Cold Hammer
Forged Barrel
SBFA
GP30 Grenade
Launcher
Negative footprint
accessory mounting
points
Centralized
Ambi controls
System Weight
=/< 3.27 kg
(7.2 lbs.) (TAR-21)
LW ammunition
pH = 2-3 MOA
High reliability
magazine
Lethality
BTB projectiles
Medium caliber option
Increased MV (NLT 11%)
Increased ME
Maintenance
72% less operator cleaning
> 2X bolt service life
> 3X barrel service life
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2X receiver service life
SUMMARY
The last 10 years have produced substantial incremental enhancements
in small arms and ammo technology (most notably in potential threat
weaponry).
With few but partial exceptions these incremental enhancements have not
been combined into a single system.
Too many new developments/procurements are being made using outdated
performance specifications and/or legacy user input only.
The Ultimate incrementally superior system could be available in 18-24
months if all inclusive performance specs would be released to industry in a
responsive program.
Incrementally superior COTS weapons fielded today will always
outperform promised and unfielded so-called Leap Ahead technologies,
and at comparably modest developmental costs!
($430M USD spent in past 20 yrs on Leap-ahead programs vs. 0 dollars spent on HK416).
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A parting thought
Most of the boots on the ground in
OEF/OIF will be the first to tell you that
the enemy has no respect for our war
fighters in a head-to-head confrontation
while maneuvering with
his individual weapon.
An enemy who does not respect a Soldiers
ability to deliver pain or death will always
bring the fight directly to the Soldier,
at belt buckle distance.
MSG Steve Holland 5th Special Forces Group (ABN)
30 year Army veteran, NDIA Hathcock Award Recipient
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Contact Information
Jim Schatz
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (571) 276-7042
United States of America
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