A Russian news segment, released September 28, 2015, contains rare footage of Syrian government special operations forces (SOF). The Vesti reporter follows SOF elements as they launch their offensive in rebel-held parts of Harasta, a suburb of Damascus which has been the scene of heavy fighting since Jaish al-Islam launched its own offensive earlier in September. The footage shows armoured fighting vehicles engaging suspected rebel positions, as well as Syrian SOF armed with a variety of modern weaponry and equipment.

Amongst the variety of arms and munitions visible in the footage there appears to be an Accuracy International (AI) Arctic Warfare (AW) sniper rifle, chambered for .338 Lapua Magnums. The stock configuration, bolt, safety and firing pin cocking indicator, and bolt handle of the rifle pictured above are consistent with an AI AW rifle mounted in an updated chassis, similar to AI’s ATAICS chassis system. The Accuracy International Chassis Systems (AICS) is a polymer and aluminium chassis designed to accommodate Remington Model 700 series rifle actions. The ATAICS brings a weapon’s ergonomics in line with the modern Arctic Tactical (AT) line of rifles offered by the company. The AT rifle represents the evolution of the earlier AW series rifles and is available with a wide variety of options, including the same type of folding stock.

The specific chassis system fitted to this rifle appears to be of an earlier design than AI’s current ATAICS offering, with a hinge catch that is not recessed. Visually similar models were launched at previous SHOT Show indicating that this is a relatively recent acquisition for Syrian SOF. It has been suggested that the configuration of the rifle is very similar to that seen in service with Russian SOF units, including the presence of a Badger Ordnance IMUNS. Given Russia’s increased involvement in Syria, this may point to the rifle’s provenance, whether employed by Russian SOF in support of Syrian SOF units, or transferred to Syria. It also features a folding stock, which is seen folded to the left-hand side in a manner consistent with AI’s optional folding stock (see above). Accuracy International, a British company, supplies sniper rifles to more than 60 countries worldwide.

[Photo credit: ?????]

[Photo credit: ?????]

The shortage of handguns had unforeseen consequences for the German Volkssturm (people’s storm), when the first units should get equipped in late 1944. Although the Gauleiter were authorized to receive weapons from armament factories in their districts, these weapons had to come from over-production or had to be made after an official Army contract had run out. But this claim was only written on paper. The manufacturers had their hands full even to take care of all official orders. At the end of the day there was nothing left for the Volkssturm.

Since early 1943, Walther and Mauser tried to simplify their weapons and to develop new models. None of them went into serial production, but the gained experience benefited the companies when the call for a “people’s pistol” came up at the end of 1944. Now it was necessary to produce faster and cheaper than ever before. The weapon had to use the P38 magazines and to hit a 20×20 cm target at 25 meters. And of course it should be ready for serial production as soon as possible.

Among the captured items from Mauser was a grip-piece with frame and breech-block of the M.7057. Unfortunately no other parts of this model seem to exist today.

Walther

On November 30, 1944, there was a meeting between the Haupt-Dienststellenleiter Saur, SS-Obergruppenführer Gottlob Berger and other members of the Technisches Amt (Technical Department). In the process Saur got the promise for a monthly supply of 20,000 “Volkspistolen (people’s pistols) model Walther”. The order was accepted as “War-Order Nr.1005 Waffen-SS” on January 4, 1945.

For Walther it was hard to cope with this additional order. The production was already quite busy with the production of P38, K43, VG1 and other military equipment. Also it was getting more and more difficult to acquire all the necessary raw materials to keep the production running. Almost the whole weapon was made of stamped sheet metal, except for barrel, bolt-head, springs, grip-plates and a few other small parts. And almost everything was joined together with bolts and rivets, and the spot-welded points have been reduced to a minimum. The order was then classified as the highest level called “Führer-Notprogramm” (Führer emergency program). However, it remains questionable whether this had been of some use. The few surviving pistols do not suggest the start of a large-scale serial production. And on April 4, 1945, the U.S. Army occupied the Zella-Mehlis area.

Left view of the Walther Volkspistole (Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess collection).

The whole range of simplification becomes obvious when disassembling the Volkspistole:

The barrel is retained in the frame by a hardened cylindrical plug which engages the blind hole shown in the underside of the barrel breech. When lowering the lever on the left side of the frame above the trigger, the plug retracts and the barrel can be withdrawn forward. Afterwards the slide can be removed.

The slide housing is made of two sheet metal half-shells, riveted together at the front. At the rear end they are held together by the clenching of the finger grips into slots in the inner shell. The slide housing is then positioned around a machined bolt, only connected by two lugs on the top surface of the bolt. These lugs take all the recoil forces when shooting the Volkspistole.

The barrel of the Volkspistole is held in place by a hardened cylindrical plug which engages the blind hole at the underside of the barrel (Carl Walther Company collection).

Mauser

Also the Mauser Company could make good use of past experience for the new Volkspistole (people’s pistol) project. From 1942 on Mauser did make experiments with stamped sheet metal parts for the model HSc. First of all a simplified trigger was put in production, followed by a sheet metal slide. According to Ott-Helmuth von Lossnitzer the company was at that time busy to develop a weapon to replace Walther’s P38 service pistol. This project with the designation “M.7057” was an internal working of Mauser without an official order. The draft was finished in December 1943: a simplified pistol using numerous stamped sheet metal parts. After creating the part drawings, the production of the first components began in January 1944. In March the first weapon could be completed. A second weapon was presented to a representative of authorities in June. Although the model was well received, Mauser wanted to carry out some more internal functional tests with steel-case ammunition and steel primers. The following month, the weapon was stressed with 400 rounds and thereby all identified problems were eliminated. Mauser was confident of being able to present the pistol at the next meeting of the “Infantry Weapons Special Commission” on October 19. Work was continued industriously and even a third model with some minor improvements was completed. But in October the situation changed unexpectedly: From now on the people’s pistol had the highest priority and workers were deducted from other projects for this new task.

In the monthly reports of the Mauser Weapons Research Institute is stated:
M.7057 9 mm Pistol
with Falling Barrel Breech (Falllaufverschluss)

Right view of the Walther Volkspistole (Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess collection).

The model mentioned in the last report was completed according to plan. However, at the moment, only a little interest exists for this project because the VP (Volkspistole) is given the highest priority.

M.7082 VP Project

According a prompt request from the HWA (Main Committee for Weapons) and WaPrüf (Weapon Testing) that the development of a completely simple pistol chambered in 9 mm must be accelerated, we have built a blowback weapon with a self-cocking firing pin, with the simplest fashioning of the individual parts. The model has already been completed and submitted to the HWA and the Sonderkommission Infanteriewaffen (Infantry Weapons Special Commission). A decision is still pending. Testing has begun.”

Already in November 1944 the new weapon could be subjected to a production-technical comparison with the Walther model. The Mauser pistol took about 30% fewer working hours and about 20% less raw material to produce than the Walther pistol. The ratio of all parts was 1:3. Since both models still suffered minor shortcomings, two revised prototypes of each model were requested by the Waffenamt. Mauser extended the distance allowed for recoil, added a hold-open device for an empty magazine as well as a lanyard ring. Both weapons were fired by WaPrüf and found to be in order. For further technical evaluation by the infantry, the Waffenamt sent the weapons to the Döberitz army training facility.

The machined bolt is held in place inside the slide by only two lugs. They take all the recoil forces when shooting (Carl Walther Company collection).

In the meantime Mauser did a test firing of a people’s pistol in extreme cold. It should be clarified whether low temperatures can cause misfires or other malfunctions. According to the report, the unlubricated gun and five magazines were cooled down to -40 °C (-40 °F). The temperature was measured with a thermometer on the inside of the barrel wall near the muzzle using an aluminum foil as contact material. Three magazines were filled with steel case ammunition and the three others with brass case ammunition. Neither misfire nor other problems did occur.

The trial in Döberitz ended unsatisfactorily. The people’s pistol has been classified as unsuitable for field use, particularly because of the too long and heavy trigger pull. The Mauser report from December 1944 states:

“In order to make this objection superfluous the following work should be commenced:
a. In place of the existing double-action trigger pull, the pistol should be given a single-action trigger.
b. Besides the double-action mechanism, a single-action mechanism is to be fitted.
c. A half-locked pistol of simple construction should be developed.

The traditional machined guide rails on the receiver were replaced by five simple stampedout areas on each side (Carl Walther Company collection).

The models a. and b. should further seek to achieve pleasant shooting through a more unyielding recoil and a buffer spring with about a 10 mm longer stroke.”

Mauser thereupon began to work on another three different pistol designs. Until January 1945 two new pistols were completed and handed over to the Waffenamt for inspection. In the monthly Mauser reports is written: “The hard kickback of the weapon is caused by the blowback action, which brings about twice the impulse to the action as a rigidly locked weapon. Currently attempts are ongoing to reduce the recoil by a modified chamber with transverse grooves. Also a more inelastic buffer and a gas pocket delay mechanism can help to reduce the recoil.”

After the Waffenamt had assessed the two weapons, a new request was sent to Mauser: A new model should be submitted that only features a simple double-action trigger. This weapon was still under construction in February 1945. It should also receive an automatic safety that prevents the ignition of a cartridge even when the loaded weapon falls down and hits a hard surface. Here the story of the Mauser people’s pistol ends. On April 19, 1945, just one day before the American occupation, the “Mauser-train” left Oberndorf towards the Alpenfestung (Alpine Fortress) in Austria.

Prototype “V5” of a simplified model HSc, using sheet metal frame, slide, trigger and grip-plates.

Gustloff

In the course of the people’s pistol project also the Gustloff-Werke from Suhl submitted a weapon. It was in part based on an older 7.65 mm design of chief engineer Karl Barnitzke which has now been converted for 9 mm caliber. Interesting is the gas-delayed blowback action whereby gas bled from the barrel near the chamber creates resistance to the rearward impulse of the operating parts, which ceases when the bullet leaves the muzzle, allowing the operating parts to be forced rearward by the residual pressure of the cartridge case. The same principle was also used for the semiautomatic Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr VG45 (caliber 7.92×33). Much of the new pistol was made of sheet metal parts, held together by pins and spot welds.

It is said that five Gustloff people‘s pistols were made, but no proof can be found in the records that have survived the war. Also no Gustloff Volkspistole is known to be in existence today. One pistol took part in the official trials in December 1944. Probably the weapon did not work well because the Gustloff-Werke withdrew from the people’s pistol project–allegedly because of a lack of time and capacity.

A special thanks to Dr. Geoffrey Sturgis (Switzerland) and Werner Hamper (Carl Walther Company, Germany).

Prototype “V5” of a simplified model HSc, using sheet metal frame, slide, trigger and grip-plates.

Drawing of the Mauser-project M.7057 with Falllaufverschluss, dated February 15, 1944.

Drawing of the Mauser-project M.7057 with Falllaufverschluss, dated February 15, 1944.

Excerpt of the Mauser-report no 1672, showing the gas pockets (Gastaschen) as embodied in the project M.7082.

Serial number V.106 of a pistol that appears to be the final version of the Mauser-Volkspistole. It corresponds with the drawing from January 20, 1945.

In August 2015, ARES documented the appearance of Iran’s RU-series thermal weapon sights on the Iraqi battlefield and their use by pro-government militias. Additional imagery made available via Twitter appeared to show them in Syria as well. This adds to the growing body of evidence documenting the surge of international support for the Assad government following significant opposition and insurgent gains through the summer of 2015. Another Twitter post showed a brief video of materiel allegedly captured by fighters aligned with Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. In addition to the Sadad 102 thermal imager, other items seen include mortars, what appears to be an Iranian SPG-9-type recoilless gun, an Iranian AM50 anti-materiel rifle, a DShKM-type heavy machine gun and assorted small and medium caliber ammunition.

Imagery posted by an unofficial Jabhat al-Nusra account on November 2 and 3, 2015, claimed to show equipment captured from an unnamed “Shi’a militia” in the Aleppo countryside. This includes three RU60G sights and one RU120G. The names correspond to the size of their objective lens (60 and 120 mm, respectively). Imagery of the same cache made available elsewhere also shows a much larger tripod-mounted imager that closely resembles Iran’s Sadad 102. Other items are also present, including a pair of Vectronix VECTOR 23 laser rangefinding binoculars and an Iranian AM50 (Sayyad-2) .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) anti-materiel rifle.

RU-series sights are used for medium- and long-range engagements with precision small arms (e.g., SVD, AM50) and light weapons (e.g., SPG-9). The Sadad, on the other hand, is used for long-range static surveillance and is often described as an element of border-security systems. The RU-series is built by Rayan Roshd, a private company with uncertain links to state industry. They specialize in electro-optical systems, producing remote weapon stations, missile seekers and both handheld and airborne imagers. The Sadad is built by Iran Electronics Industry (IEI), a direct subsidiary of the Iranian Ministry of Defense.

Photo credit: unofficial Jabhat al-Nusra twitter account

These captured arms marked the intensifying effort of Assad’s allies–including Iran–to bolster depleted government forces who had been left reeling after successive insurgent advances earlier in 2015, in the country’s northwest. Although Russian airstrikes were the most visible aspect of this effort, it is the militias from around the region organized and equipped by Iran that have provided the necessary manpower to retake and hold ground. In the area around Aleppo these include the Syrian NDF; Lebanese Hezbollah; and Iraqi groups like Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataib Seyyed al-Shohada.

There is limited evidence of the latter use. Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation offers a copy of the RU60G, which they show alongside an SPG-9 in a promotional video, but this has yet to be documented outside of Sudan.

This article is courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.

Photo credit: unofficial Jabhat al-Nusra twitter account

The French Army’s standard assault rifle, the bullpup 5.56 mm caliber FAMAS, was adopted in 1977. The FAMAS is generally inferior to competing frontline types, essentially meaning that it does not represent a long-term solution for the French Army. The replacement, will be in 5.56 mm NATO caliber. The Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) launched in May 2014 launched the program known in France as the Arme Individuelle Future (Future Individual Weapon).

The manufacturers invited for comparative trials were:
– HS Produkt, Croatia (VHS/VHS-2 bullpup assault rifle)
– Beretta, Italy (ARX160 A3 assault rifle)
– Swiss Arms/SIG SAUER, Switzerland (SIG MCX SBR)
– FN Herstal, Belgium (FN SCAR 16)
– Heckler & Koch, Germany (HK416F).

This article will mainly discuss the final choice of Heckler & Koch’s winning weapon, its variants, and some key features of the competitive rifles. The French specification demands for the new standard assault rifle have not been disclosed.

Completely ambidextrous weapon for L/R handed shooters. Upper rail profile STANAG 4694 at 12 o’clock and rails at 3/6/9 o’clock positions, MIL-STD 1913. Adjustable stock, adjustment range 101 mm, 6 locking positions. The stock is available with concave or convex stock pad. The 14.5” variant is capable to fire rifle grenades.1 With the folding mechanical sights in upright position 2 Without flash suppressor 3 With mechanical sight and loop for carrying sling 4 SS109 ammunition, 4 g (62 gr)5 In addition the rifles have no gas regulation for the use of suppressor. (Source: Caractéristiques techniques: HK416F, STAT)

The Benchmark

The iconic Eugene Stoner constructed AR-15 System is by far the most widely used system and a model for many modern Western assault rifles today. The fascination of the AR15 style and the “Black Rifle” M16 is difficult to describe. The AR-15/M16/M4 pattern is highly ergonomic and precise. Therefore, the M4 is like a benchmark for all the producers who wish to present an offer and participate with their best firearms. A section of the industry has designed a kind of an AR-15/M4 carbine style on the market, but they have favored a piston gas system instead of the direct gas impingement system found on the M4/M16A4. The piston design suppresses and prevents propellant gases and carbon fouling coming in contact with the bolt and secondly reduces heat transfer to the bolt and bolt carrier. The legendary “Extreme Dust Test”, showed that after firing 6,000 rounds through ten M4s in a dust chamber at the Army’s Aberdeen test center in Maryland in late 2007, the weapons experienced a total of 863 minor stoppages and 19 that would have required an armorer to fix the problem. Stacked up against the M4 during the side-by-side tests were two other weapons popular with Special Operations Forces, including the Heckler and Koch HK416 and the FN USA Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle, or Mk16. Another carbine involved in the tests that had been rejected by the Army two years before, the H&K XM8 (a G36-System in a modular composite housing), came out as the winner, with a total of 116 minor stoppages and 11 major ones. The Mk16 experienced a total of 226 stoppages, the HK416 had 233.

A Modern Assault Rifle has Ambidextrous Controls

Just 12% to 15% of the world’s population are left-handed–and twice as many men as women. The shooter of its weapon is the key, and the modern assault rifle is a system. Modularity is a definite selling point to military and police units of the world. Sometimes the smallest details matter the most, for example, ambidextrous controls and other things like accessories, grenade launchers, ammunition, spares and support services.

A trained marksman from Telemark battalion with the 7.62x51 mm HK417 during exercise Joint Viking in Finnmark county, the artic part of Norway bordering Russia.

The Final Choice of the New Rifle for French Army

The choice is based on MEDO (Meilleure Et Dernière Offre–Best and Last offer). On September 22, 2016, DGA awarded Heckler & Koch a large contract to supply its HK416F as the new standard French assault rifle. The chosen assault rifle is a modified version of the HK416 A5 which is described as an evolution in assault rifle technology compared to the previous HK416. Heckler & Koch developed its HK416 between 2002 and 2005 for mass production. The weapon combines the M4/M16 architecture with the reliable short–stroke gas piston system of the G36, making it the most reliable of any M4/M16 type weapon. The HK 416 is a true “Over the Beach” weapon. The HK416 A5 is very similar to the prior HK416 weapon system, but it’s a further development of the HK416 assault rifle also in 5.56×45 mm NATO caliber. The significant changes are:

Right up on the front is a flip-up sight that falls into the front rail system. Also it has a two stage tooless gas regulator with marking N (Normal) and S (Suppressor) for suppressor use. Previous versions were not outfitted with a regulator, so H&K redesigned the weapon, and the A5 is better and less gas is blown out from the side when shooting. It’s 100% ambidextrous, and there is a selector switch, a magazine release and a bolt release on both sides for left- and right-handed shooters as well as an M4-type (ambidextrous) charging handle.

Safety/Fire selector lever can be set to safe when the hammer is in the cocked or un-cocked position. Another thing is when the operator wants to use gloves, the A5 has an enlarged trigger guard so there is no problem using gloves when wearing cold weather clothing.

It has an enlarged bolt catch lever and protective barrier against accidental discharge, which is very nice, since on the former HK416-weapon system the rail was connected with the upper receiver. Now, there is a flat cut on so various mechanical and optical sights (incl. night vision/thermal) can be moved anywhere to be mounted along the non-stop NATO-STANAG 4694 top rail.

The receiver is given an optimized geometry, modified assembly interfaces and improved receiver connections and receiver extension to stabilize and accomplish drop test criteria under real conditions.

It has a new polymer 30-round magazine that works on any of H&K’s systems. Earlier models could not use all types of magazines, now the receiver’s magazine well is redesigned for increased magazine compatibility in accordance with NATO-STANAG-DRAFT 4179 (M4/M16 Magazines). The pistol grip has a redesigned ergonomic fit with storage compartment for a field stripping tool. The telescopic buttstock has a “slim line.” It’s a true over the beach (OTB) capability weapon as well as it has numerous technical improvements to maximize the operator safety, reliability, ammunition compatibility and durability under real operating conditions. It’s compatible with the HK 40×46 mm low velocity GLM/M320.

M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle IAR/5.56x45 mm (Bottom: the G36 C [Compact] with AR magazine well) Magazine capacity: 30 Rate of fire, RPM: 700-900 Barrel length: 16.5 in Length, max/min: 37.5/33.5in Weight (unloaded): 3,700 g [8.16 lbs.] (*weapon w/30 round loaded magazine, accessories including: iron sights, SDO-optic, PEQ-16, VCAS sling, QD 9-13” bipod, vertical fore grip, and rail cover set, is approximately 12.67 lbs.) Photo: Aud Håland

HK416F (Française)

After being in service with the French Army for over 30 years, the old “FAMAS” assault rifle is to be succeeded by Heckler & Koch’s modern HK416F as the AIF’s standard assault rifle. The decision in favor of the HK416F followed a Europe-wide tendering procedure in which earlier mentioned companies participated with their weapon systems. Following over a year of intensive, extensive trials by the French of all the weapons competing, the HK416F stood out as the best weapon system in the competition. The HK416F fulfilled all of the French Armed Forces’ requirements for their future assault rifle, without exception, and led the field. From 2017 onwards, members of the Army, Air Force and Navy will be equipped with their new service weapon. The contract calls for the supply total of 102,000 HK416F 5.56 mm x 45 NATO assault rifles, 10,767 HK269F 40×46 mm grenade launchers, accessories, ammunition, spares and support services over a period of 15 years. The HK416 versions HK416F-C with an 11” barrel and HK416F-S with a 14.5” barrel will serve France in the future. Weight–depending on barrel-length–is about 3.5 to 3.8 kg (without a magazine). Four Picatinny rails provide space for add-on accessories (i.e., day-, IR-, thermal optics, rangefinders and grenade launcher). The telescopic butt stock allows for adaption to soldiers’ size or for use in close areas. The large “winter trigger” enables handling with gloves. Maintenance accessories may be stored in a storage space in the butt. The HK416F differs little from the HK416 A5. The iron sights are different and the French had no requirement for a sound suppressor and the F has therefore no gas regulator. According to DGA H&K will 93,080 pieces of HK416 F be delivered between 2017 and 2028. 54 575 units will be of the HK416F Short version, with the same performance as the standard version up to 200 meters. 38 505 units will be the HK416F Standard version. France will also acquire 10,767 pieces of the HK269F (40×46 mm) grenade launchers.

G28 Halbautomatisches Scharfschützengewehr/7.62x51 mm Semi-automatic sniper system, Schmidt & Bender 3-12 x 50 PMII scope w/Aimpoint Micro T1 Red dot optics. Effective range: up to 800 m Length: 970/1,050mm/weight: 7,900 g (17.4 lbs.) ready to fire w/accessories Photo: Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch’s HK 416/417 Family Chosen by Other Users

Various configurations of the HK416 are in service around the world for military, Special Forces and law enforcement agencies.

The HK416 is now among the most widely used military M4-style weapons. The HK416 is combat-proven in Afghanistan by Norwegians who replaced the AG-3 (also known as the G3) with the HK416 from 2007 onward. The Norwegian Army uses the 7.62 mm HK417 as a Designated Marksman Rifle. A variant of Heckler & Koch’s HK416, the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps in August 2011 in an innovative program to develop a highly accurate, lightweight and more reliable alternative to the venerable belt-fed M249 Squad Automatic Weapon—a fully loaded M27 IAR weighs less than half that of an M249 SAW. The Corps fielded 458 M27s to five battalions as they prepared for upcoming deployment to Afghanistan (2011). Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, has approved a plan to field the M27 IAR to all Marine infantry battalions. The Marines like it so much that the service is considering making it the next service rifle for infantry battalions in the Corps.

A modified, product-improved and light weight version of the combat proven Heckler & Koch G28 rifle designated M110A1 was chosen by the U.S. Army as the winner of the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) competition in April 2016. The contract award to Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. allows the Army to purchase a maximum total of 3,643 CSASS units, according to an announcement on FedBizOpps.gov. The M110A1/HK CSASS is a substantial upgrade over the Army’s current rifles, enhancing accuracy, ergonomics and reliability while providing for a handier, more compact arm. As the HK416/417-family, the M110A uses a short stroke gas piston to actuate and an operating rod which allows the weapon to run cooler and with less fouling of the bolt carrier group and chamber–markedly improving reliability. The controls and interface of the M110A1 are similar to M4/M16-type weapons, ensuring operator familiarity and simplifying training. The CSASS is also designed to have reduced felt recoil and better suppressor performance.

End Remarks

Heckler & Koch’s competence as a world-leader and principal manufacturer of small arms and infantry weapons systems is underlined again with deliveries to France (HK416F [French Special Forces also use the HK417]), Norway (HK416N and HK417N), Germany (G36), Great Britain (SA80), Spain (G36) and Lithuania (G36).

ASh-12 assault rifle is one of the most mysterious Russian small arms of the recent years. Its photos began to leak onto the Internet 2 or 3 years ago, with little to no reliable information. Mostly these photos were from “non-public” demonstrations of new small arms and equipment, produced by Russian companies for Russian military and Law Enforcement needs. Only recently some bits of reliable, first hand information were made publicly available from the Instrument Design Bureau, or KBP in short, a Tula-based famous Russian manufacturer of precision and guided weapons, automatic cannons and innovative small arms. It must be noted that information on all new small arms which were designed on government requirements and money (from military or state security services such as FSB) are tightly controlled by their “sponsors,” and only the client (i.e., Army or FSB) can authorize release of information to the general public and the amount of information to be released. It appears that the gun in question became sufficiently mature over its 5 years of active duty, and so the service that paid for it finally has cleared the manufacturer to release some information.

The ASh-12 assault rifle was designed and manufactured by Central Design Bureau for Sporting and Hunting arms (TsKIB SOO, a subsidiary of the KBP mentioned above). It was developed on request from Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) as an ultimate close combat “man-stopper” weapon for their elite counter-terrorist units. It is not known who formulated requirements for this rifle, but it is believed that those requirements came from successful use of the 9×39 weapons in CQB roles (i.e. 9-A91 and SR3M compact assault rifles), along with publicly available information about American developments in short-range, big-bore tactical rifles firing cartridges such as .499LWRC or .50 Beowulf.

TsKIB SOO chief small arms designer Viktor Zelenko demonstrates ASh-12 rifle. Photo: “National Defense” magazine, Russia.

Adopted by FSB without much fanfare in 2011 along with specially designed ammunition, ASh-12 rifle is apparently employed as THE CQB / entry weapon against the most dangerous armed criminals or terrorists who haVE to be stopped, literally, with the first shot.

To achieve maximum stopping power at short range, the ASh-12 is built around a specialized family of CQB ammunition, which includes several loads. The case is rimless and 55 mm long and is the same that is used in STs-130 subsonic sniper ammunition, used in the VKS “Vychlop” suppressed sniper rifle. The loads for ASh-12, however, are different as they use shorter and lighter projectiles (STs-130 sniper cartridges use bullets as heavy as 75 gram / 1157 grains). It must be noted that the load data below is not official, and actual specifications might differ a bit from numbers stated here; official values for muzzle velocities also are not published yet.

List of loads for ASh-12 includes THE following types:

12.7 PS-12B Armor Piercing round with steel-core projectile with exposed tip, projectile weight is about 18 gram / 280 grain. These rounds can be used against terrorists wearing heavy body armor or to shoot through steel doors, vehicle sides and other similar barrier.

12.7 PS-12 subsonic round for use with sound suppressor, with jacketed lead core projectile; bullet weight is around 33 gram / 510 grain.

12.7 PD-12 duplex round with two jacketed projectiles stacked one in front of another increases short-range effectiveness against “soft” targets.

12.7 PS-12A with light and fast jacketed bullet for general short- to medium-range work.

ASh-12 rifle with tactical sound suppressor and 10-round magazine. Photo: KBP, Russia

Depending on the bullet type and target (protected or unprotected) maximum effective range varies between 100 and 300 meters.

The ASh-12 assault rifle itself is unusual in that it uses short recoil operated action with rotary bolt locking, as opposed to universally used gas-operated actions of modern assault rifles. It is of bullpup layout, with steel upper receiver and polymer lower receiver. Ejection is to the right only. Manual safety is ambidextrous and is located above the trigger guard. Ambidextrous fire selector is located at the rear of the magazine housing and offers single shots and full automatic fire modes. A lever that is located at the rear, next to the recoil pad on the stock, is responsible for disassembly of the gun.

Ammunition is fed from a proprietary detachable box magazine holding 10 or 20 rounds. The rifle can be equipped with a wide variety of sights and accessories using integrated Picatinny rails. It also comes with a compact quick-detach “tactical” suppressor (which is to be used with subsonic ammunition) and with a larger and highly effective sound suppressor optimized for heavy subsonic loads. For unsuppressed work, the barrel is equipped with an effective muzzle brake.

12.7x55 cartridges (with heavy ball and AP) compared to standard 7.62x39 cartridge

Following the 1973 conclusion of active hostilities challenges to the legality of conventional munitions continued in the United Nations (UN). It published critical, highly controversial reports, such as Napalm and Other Incendiary Weapons and All Aspects of Their Possible Use (1973), strongly supported by the Stockholm International Peace Research’s Incendiary Weapons (1975), and Anti-Personnel Weapons (1978). In 1974 and 1976 the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hosted meetings of military, government and legal experts to consider the potential for new law of war rules to prohibit or regulate the use of certain conventional weapons. The experts’ discussions revealed the complexity and challenges facing any such international effort.
A decision was taken that Switzerland would host a conference commonly referred to as the UN Conference on Certain Conventional Weapons (UNCCW). A preparatory session in September 1979 to consider proposals to prohibit or regulate munitions ranged from those containing so-called “non-detectable fragments”, land mines, incendiary weapons, including napalm and SCHV weapons. I was designated as the U.S. negotiator for incendiary weapons and SCHV.

Colonel Martin L. Fackler, Medical Corps, U.S. Army (Ret.), April 8, 1933-May 23, 2015, Father of Modern Wound Ballistics.

The SCHV debate focused on the 5.56×45 mm U.S. M16 rifle, acquired by the U.S. military in 1963. SCHV gained international attention in large measure from hyperbole by the Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s pro-acquisition position exaggerated characterization of the 5.56×45 mm bullet as having “explosive” terminal effects. (A 1960 demonstration for Air Force Chief of Staff Curtis Le May involved shooting into watermelons, reinforcing the fiction of “explosive” terminal effects). Industry proponents asserted caliber 5.56×45 mm provided “increased lethality,” and increased “kinetic energy transfer” resulting in terminal ballistics superior to that of 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition. These false, sensationalist claims created a self-inflicted wound for the U.S. delegation in the ensuing UNCCW debates.

As the UNCCW approached, Sweden submitted a proposal to ban SCHV military ammunition in any caliber that would “expand or flatten easily in the human body”, repeating the prohibition contained in the 1899 Hague Declaration Concerning Expanding Bullets. The United States is not a party to this treaty and therefore not legally bound by it. Sweden proposed adding a protocol prohibiting ammunition that “(a) burst or deformed while penetrating the human body, (b) tumbles (sic.) early in the human body or (c) causing shock waves leading to extensive tissue damage or even a lethal shock”, based upon close range laboratory test shots into substances of greater density than human tissue but unsubstantiated by combat wound data.

In support of its proposal, the Swedish delegation presented a film to conference diplomats ostensibly of an anesthetized pig weighing 100 to 150 kg (220-330 lb) being shot using a M16 rifle firing the U.S. M193 cartridge. Subsequently it was determined to be a miniature pig weighing about one-tenth the purported weight. A Swedish assertion that a SCHV temporary cavity causes major trauma was rebutted by Vietnam wound data indicating that in the great majority of torso and extremity wounds damage was attributable to the permanent cavity alone. Finally, images of shots fired into a medium of greater density than human tissue while described as the temporary cavity suggested to uninformed diplomats that the oversize temporary cavity was permanent. A temporary cavity in human soft tissue would be akin to dropping a small pebble into a water-filled swimming pool. Cavity size would be reduced quickly. In contrast, a temporary cavity created by firing a projectile into a substance heavier than human soft tissue served to mask the smaller permanent cavity while its artificial expansion was intended to impress an audience of uninformed persons as to its “lethality.”

It was not lost on the U.S. delegation that NATO had under consideration adoption of a second rifle caliber. In 1978 Swedish industry developed the 4.5x26R Interdynamic cartridge, a likely second NATO caliber competitor. Other foreign industries also had SCHV military ammunition under development.

Dr. Fackler drew wound profiles from his shots into10% ballistic gel to illustrate wound characteristics. Drawings employed in NATO Emergency War Surgery handbook.

No combat-experienced U.S. medical expert was present to challenge these points. Upon return to Washington request was made to the Surgeon General of the Army for an experienced combat surgeon to join the U.S. delegation. Thus began a major career change for Colonel Martin L. Fackler, Medical Corps, U.S. Army. A Navy combat surgeon in Vietnam, Dr. Fackler subsequently transferred to the Army. My professional association with Dr. Fackler continued for the next quarter of a century.

In Medieval times the English long bow, crossbows employed by France and other nations, and compound bows as employed by Turkish and other forces launched arrows with various arrow heads into different types of wood to determine target penetration. The testing may have been useful in determining ability to penetrate a knight’s body armor or depth of penetration into a horse, potentially disabling it, but otherwise it provided little to no information as to combatant wounding effectiveness. The Fifteenth century transition to gunpowder and firearms continued the practice of shooting into wood to measure projectile penetration. The target medium changed over time, ranging from such targets as filled pig bladders, live animals, human and animal cadavers, water-filled boxes, sandbags, earth devoid of rocks, peat, hard clay and 20% ordnance gel (c. 1935). Tests remained more a performance comparison than reliable method for determining wounding effectiveness or providing information relevant to medical treatment of the wounded.

The UNCCW conference debate regarding 5.56×45 mm projectiles made it apparent that shooting into substances of greater density than the human body and referring to a permanent cavity in clay, soap or similar substances as “temporary” was misleading. The discrepancy intensified with Dr. Fackler’s explanation to the assembled diplomats that human bodies vary in weight and mass, bullets strike different parts of the human body at different distances and velocities, while projectile angle of yaw on impact may affect terminal ballistics.

The proposed Swedish ban ignored close to a century of military small arms wound ballistic history. The late-Nineteenth Century transition from black to smokeless powder and French fielding of the 8 mm Lebel Type D Spitzer, a design soon adopted by the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and other nations, enhanced external ballistics, including long-range accuracy. With higher velocities than its predecessors, at distances to 200 meters the Spitzer bullet could and did affect terminal ballistic performance (e.g., through fragmentation) contrary to the Swedish UNCCW proposed ban. In World War I, Germany and the United Kingdom accused one another of using “illegal” rifle bullets contrary in terminal ballistics to the 1899 Hague Declaration Concerning Expanding Bullets. Each was Spitzer standard ball ammunition (viz., the British Mk VII and German 7.9 S.Patrone, a fact unmentioned by the Swedish delegation and unknown by most diplomats). Following World War I no government is known to have undertaken bullet design modifications to alter this terminal ballistic performance factor for the purpose of compliance with the 1899 Hague Declaration Concerning Expanding Bullets.

7.62x51mm shot into Dr. Fackler’s 10% ballistic gel. Consistent in density with human tissue, providing temporary and permanent cavity transparency. Most accurate and practical medium for determining wounding effectiveness.

Colonel Fackler joined the United States delegation for the 1980 conference sessions. With his extensive knowledge of firearms, ammunition and, in particular, gunshot wounds, he effectively rebutted the Swedish delegation’s terminal ballistics assertions, particularly its exaggerated emphasis on temporary cavity damage. The limited interest governments had in the Swiss proposal at the beginning (Unknown to most delegations, the Soviet Union was well into fielding its 5.45×39 mm family of weapons, for example). The UNCCW concluded on October 10, 1980, adopting a treaty containing protocols (1) prohibiting munitions containing fragments not detectable by x-ray; (2) regulating employment of incendiary munitions; and (3) regulating landmines, booby traps and other devices in order to protect the civilian population. The SCHV proposal proceeded no further than SCHV working group informal conversations consisting of a Swedish delegate, Dr. Fackler, a U.S. Army civilian engineer and the author. Ten days later, NATO adopted the 5.56×45 mm as its second rifle caliber using the Belgian SS109 projectile. Subsequent comparative testing by Dr. Fackler determined that terminal ballistics for the original U.S. 5.56×45 M193 and the NATO SS109 were indiscernible.

Recognizing the importance of increasing knowledge of small arms wounding effects and wound treatment, in 1981 Colonel Fackler was appointed to establish and head the U.S. Army Wound Ballistics Laboratory of Research, Letterman Army Institute of Research, Presidio of San Francisco. He carried out these duties until his retirement in 1991.

Colonel Fackler’s research efforts identified and established credible criteria for determining terminal ballistics effectiveness in enemy combatants. He determined the proper medium for wound ballistic testing to ascertain small arms wounding effectiveness as 10% pork gelatin using calibrated 25x25x50 cm blocks of a 10% weight (gelatine to water) construction shot at a temperature of 4°C. The wound profile method measures the amount, location and type–permanent cavity (CRUSH) and temporary cavity (STRETCH)–of disruption of living muscle. 10% gelatin shot at 4 degrees Celsius shows projectile penetration depth, deformation and fragmentation pattern, making the distinction evident between temporary and permanent cavity.

Dr. Fackler’s combat surgery experience, reinforced by his research and extensive laboratory shooting, refuted many common myths regarding terminal ballistics. including exaggerated M16/5.56×45 hyperbole by its pre-acquisition proponents or UNCCW challengers. In particular, he and other surgeons experienced in wound treatment confirmed there is no valid basis as to a relationship between kinetic energy deposit and tissue damage as a measure of wounding effectiveness. As a result of his work, major enhancement was achieved in test and evaluation of small caliber terminal ballistics and medical treatment of gunshot wounds. His expertise was adopted by NATO for the chapter on missile (small arms)-caused wounds in the 1988 edition of its Emergency War Surgery Handbook. Ten-percent ballistic gel is used by the Small Arms Ammunition Branch, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (Crane, Indiana) and the Ballistic Research Facility, Federal Bureau of Investigation. The latter conducts ammunition test and evaluation for state, local and federal law enforcement agencies and in support of the DOD mandatory law of war review of all newmilitary ammunition. In 2006, the Joint Service Wound Ballistics Integrated Product Team accepted 10% ballistic gel as a testing medium, including calibration. 10% ballistic gel is also employed by private industry.

(nontransparent) ballistic gel showing large concave indentation in entire center of gel block.

As is the case with firing into wood, clay or soap, or similar media, Dr. Fackler’s methodology is a form of small arms terminal ballistics comparison. Its value lies in 10% ballistic gel being the most accurate replication of human soft tissue.

Dr. Fackler authored numerous peer-reviewed authoritative articles summarizing his combat surgery experience, his research work and lessons learned from it. In 1991 he founded and served as editor of the international Wound Ballistics Review until publication ended a decade later.

Dr. Fackler’s retirement did not conclude the U.S. Government’s reliance on his expertise. On April 11, 1986, FBI agents engaged in a 4 ½-minute gun battle with two suspected bank robbers. The two suspects succumbed from their wounds but not before one of them killed two FBI agents and wounded five others. To its credit the FBI launched a full review into the lack of effectiveness of the handgun ammunition it employed. It called upon outside medical and other experts, including Dr. Fackler, to participate in meetings it hosted in 1987 and 1992. Its focus was on terminal ballistic effectiveness rather than undefined lay terms, such as “increased lethality” and “stopping power”.

Other corrective measures followed. In August 1988, the first steps were taken in establishment of a world-class FBI Ballistic Research Facility to evaluate terminal effectiveness of law enforcement ammunition, utilizing 10% ballistic gel, for dissemination of test and evaluation results to law enforcement departments. In 1989, the FBI published “Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness,” based on comments at its 1987 experts meeting.

International legal challenges to military small arms ammunition resumed in the 1990s. In 1998 the ICRC questioned the legality of the Raufoss 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) Multipurpose round. A test demanded by the United States and other Raufoss manufacturing nations conducted at the Swiss Low Noise Range, Thun, September 9-10, 1999, confirmed the legality of the Raufoss 12.7 mm round (described in the author’s “Failing to Make a Mountain out of a Molehill: The International Red Cross’ Unsuccessful Effort to Outlaw the 12.7 mm Raufoss Multipurpose Projectile,” Small Arms Review 10,1 (Oct. 2006), pp. 90-95). Knowledge gained from Dr. Fackler’s work proved invaluable in challenging and defeating Swiss testing methodology and ICRC assertions.

In 1999 the government of Switzerland began hosting periodic meetings of experts to consider its proposal for an international center at Thun for test and evaluation of all military small arms ammunition regardless of government/military nationality, that is, offering each government an opportunity to submit its military ammunition to the proposed Thun facility for test, evaluation and an “independent” determination of its legality. Given the competitiveness of the military small arms ammunition industry and at times a necessity for classified military weapons and ammunition development, the Russian development of its 5.45×39 mm family of weapons a recent example, the offer was met with skepticism early in its brief life.

Dr. Fackler was called upon to serve as a member of the U.S. delegation in expressing U.S. opposition to the proposal. He was joined by Supervisory Special Agent J. Buford Boone III from the FBI Ballistic Research Facility for the 2002 experts’ meeting. The collective expertise and critical comments of SSA Boone and Dr. Fackler were effective in causing the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs to terminate further funding of the initiative.

In the period following his retirement from the Army, Dr. Fackler was called upon as an expert witness in criminal and civil litigation and, as noted, by the FBI and Department of Defense. His response to government requests always was positive. While he charged an hourly rate as an expert witness in litigation cases, other than reimbursement for travel expenses he never sought payment from the U.S. Government for his services.

Following a long battle with cancer, Marty Fackler died on May 23, 2015. Five days prior to his passing Supervisory Special Agent Boone, his Ballistic Research Facility successor, Supervisory Special Agent Scott Patterson and this author visited Dr. Fackler to express our gratitude personally and on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of State and Department of Defense for his contributions with respect to small arms wound ballistics and wound treatment. Without question he is the Father of modern wound ballistics. The United States military, local, state, federal law enforcement and the medical community at large owe Dr. Martin L. Fackler a great debt. His research and knowledge provided military and law enforcement the most accurate means for measuring terminal ballistics effectiveness while providing information to assist surgeons in treating gunshot wounds and saving lives.

A retired Marine Colonel and Vietnam War veteran, Hays Parks retired from his position as Senior Associate Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department of Defense, in 2010. He is the 2016 recipient of the National Defense Industrial Association’s Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock Award. ©Copyright 2017 W. Hays Parks

Major imports and exports typically take place via ocean or air cargo. Shipping a container of goods between continents is relatively quick and easy. Air cargo, while more expensive is also very efficient, whether shipping a single box, a pallet or a number of pallets. But, what happens when one wants to move a small quantity of ITAR controlled items to a foreign end user? Could it be done? The short answer is yes–it is possible, but it is not always easy. There are regulations governing exports from the United States to consider, as well as import laws in the receiving country.

Leaving the United States

For the most part, most ITAR regulated items require an approved export license prior to export. There are however more than 60 exemptions to allow the export of ITAR items without a license. The requirements for each exemption varies, but for purposes of this article, we will focus on the regulatory exemption within 22 CFR 123.17(a).

“This exemption is frequently called the $100 exemption, or the $500 exemption. Both names fit but are applied within the regulation very differently.”

Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of:

Parts and components for USML Category I(a) firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames) or complete breech mechanisms, when the total value does not exceed $100 wholesale in any transaction, except to any of the countries or entities as provided in § 126.1 of this subchapter;

Parts, components, accessories or attachments for USML Category I firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames), complete breech mechanisms or fully automatic firearms and parts and components for such firearms, when [t]he total value does not exceed $500 wholesale in any transaction;

Parts, components, accessories or attachments for USML Category I firearms, including fully automatic firearms and parts and components for such firearms, when [t]he total value does not exceed $500 wholesale in any transaction;

As one can see, there are both $100 and $500 limitations within the exemption, depending upon what is being shipped. In addition, under no circumstances are barrels, cylinders, receivers, frames or breech mechanisms allowed for export under this exemption.

Utilizing this exemption requires more than just packing the goods into one’s bags and checking luggage with the airline. To utilize the exemption properly, one must also file notice to US Customs via the Automated Commercial Environment, or ACE. The ACE system is the electronic system used by ATF, US Customs, the US Commerce Department and the US State Department in regulating imports and exports into the country. Exporters utilize ACE to provide notice to US Customs that an export is being pursued and that the export is being conducted properly. Failure to file notice in ACE prior to the export would result in an export violation and potentially result in seizure of the goods and a fine.

Practically speaking, seizures and fines rarely happen. While not common, there are instances of foreign nationals buying non-regulated optics, magazines and other gun parts while within the United States, then carrying the goods back to their home countries. This raises the other aspect of hand carrying firearm parts internationally–the laws and regulations of the destination country.

Entering a Foreign Country

As one might imagine, the laws and regulations of each foreign country is different. There are no general guidelines as to what is allowed to enter or what may not. As an example, Thailand does not regulate the import of firearm parts and accessories. In contrast, Taiwan regulates all firearm parts and accessories but has no import controls on firearm optics. Hand carrying an optic without the proper import permit may result in trouble in South Korea, where the import of rifle optics is regulated.

While it may be attractive to hand carry ITAR regulated items in airline luggage, the risks versus the cost savings may not be worthwhile. Legal trouble and potential incarceration in a foreign country is never desired. Considering that the cost of shipping the ITAR regulated items via FedEx or a freight forwarder may be several hundred dollars, the cost does not outweigh the risks.

Transferring Firearms to Foreign Nationals for Shipment in Luggage

As a reminder to exporters, transferring firearms to a foreign buyer within the United States for transport within their luggage is not allowed–even if there is an approved export license governing the transaction. On May 16, 2013, ATF issued an open letter to all Federal Firearm Licensees regarding the transfer of firearms to foreign nationals under this scenario.

Delivering and transferring a firearm to a foreign purchaser at the airport without completing an ATF Form 4473 or conducting an NICS check would violate 18 USC 922 (b)(3), (b)(5), (m) and (t). Such actions would also violate 27 CFR 478.102, 121(c) and 124(a). The basis for this prohibition is based upon the possible scenario where the foreign national is given access to the checked luggage after the transfer from the FFL. In the event that the flight is delayed or cancelled, it is possible that the luggage could be returned to the foreign national temporarily, making the transfer of the firearm illegal.

In addition, if the foreign national is legally in the United States as a tourist or non-immigrant visa, the sale or disposition of a firearm and/or ammunition would be unlawful under 18 USC 922(d)(5)(B) and 922(y)(2).

An exporter may utilize the services of a passenger airline to move firearms only when the firearms (or other ITAR regulated items) are delivered directly to the airline as freight with transportation directly to the foreign national. When shipped as air cargo, the foreign national has no access to the cargo until delivery within the destination country. This method of shipment would be lawful.
Exporting ITAR and BIS regulated items from the United States is heavily regulated. When contemplating an export, be aware of the regulations involved, seek competent legal advice and/or hire a competent exporter. The risk of legal trouble and financial penalty far outweighs the benefit of inexpensive shipping.

Mr. Wong is a Washington-licensed attorney. He regularly provides legal counsel to the firearm and defense industry via his law firm, The Firearms Law Group. Mr. Wong also manages Hurricane Butterfly, an import/export company that assists firearm manufacturers, resellers and collectors from around the world wade through the regulatory quagmire of U.S. import/export regulations. He may be found online at FirearmsLawGroup.com.

The preceding article is not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. If the reader has specific legal questions, seek competent legal counsel.

Sig Sauer’s January win of the Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition with the company’s 9×19 mm NATO P320 pistol caps one of the more puzzling and drawn out processes in recent DOD acquisition history. Overcoming such competitors as Heckler & Koch, Beretta, Smith & Wesson and CZ, the P320 with its modular removable chassis system, external safety and picatinny rail section will now enter into the annals of history for being the U.S. Army’s service handgun for the next several decades.

The XM17 MHS competition began as a joint service program between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army with the Marine Corps being allowed to put forth operational requirements. However the Marines won’t be looking at replacing the currently issued M9 until the mid-2020s while the Army is looking at a 2019 adoption of the XM17. The need to replace the M9 (adopted in 1985, beating out Sig Sauer’s P226 entry by the price of accessories and parts) was necessitated by the venerable Berettas coming to an end of their life spans, having been in service for over 30 years. Despite the modifications of the M9A1 with the picatinny rail addition, the handguns were beginning to see the years take their toll on them. Beretta proposed a solution with the M9A3 in a desert color scheme, picatinny rails and a tighter grip, but this was shot down by the DOD because it didn’t fulfill the majority of requirements set forth in the MHS solicitation.

CZ submitted their take on the polymer frame, striker fired design and were fortunate enough to release it to the U.S. civilian market after their design didn’t make the competition but coming in time to be released at SHOT 2017 where a large number of attendants were very impressed with the design.

MHS was primarily headed up by Program Manager Soldier Weapons at Picatinny Arsenal, with overall command and control through the U.S. Army Contracting Command. The largest announcement of the XM17 MHS came in June 2015, when Picatinny issued the second Request for Proposal (RFP) outlining what the MHS program would entail for interested parties. Early on, there were a number of concerns with the RFP, and these only accumulated as the program continued. One of the largest issues was the ammunition requirement. MHS stipulated that there was no specified caliber to be entered with, instead leaving it up to industry to decide what caliber to submit. Specifically the Army called for a “Special Purpose Round,” which might have been a political move to stay away from hollow point ammunition. This left the program extremely open-ended and confusing for a number of observers because it essentially allowed such cartridges as the 40 S&W or even the .357 SIG in addition to the 9×19 mm NATO to be entered. In fact the only requirement for any cartridge was that it penetrate 14 inches of ballistic gelatin at 50 meters and be compatible with a 9×19 mm NATO training ammunition, in addition to maintaining a tight group at that 50 meters with 90% accuracy. Much criticism was made to the effect that if the Army wanted a new caliber to be adopted, there should have been a cartridge only competition followed by a handgun competition in the winning cartridge.

Other than the choice of caliber, the competition called for cut-aways of the actual handgun and the ammunition chosen. The handgun had to have modifiable grips, ambidextrous controls, a picatinny rail and be offered in full size variant in addition to a more compact concealable version. Initially the competition called for contenders to submit both a full size and a compact model for review. In September of 2015, the Army finally released the official solicitation for industry.

For many the program had the appearance of a long winded and costly journey to what should have been a simple selection process for a weapon system rarely used in combat. Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates specially cited the program in a talk to Congress, saying, “Why is it taking you guys ten years? This is absurd, and why is it a 350 page RFP? It’s a handgun for God’s sake.” His sentiments were echoed by Senator John McCain with, “This failed program underscores the importance of fully reforming our broken defense acquisition system.” Even the Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley commented that, “We are not exactly redesigning how to go to the moon … and arguably, it [handguns] is the least lethal and important weapon system in the Department of Defense inventory.” Circumstances came to a head when the Chief of Staff’s office entertained the idea of simply purchasing 9×19 mm NATO Glock 19s through SOCOM’s already established purchase program with Glock. Much cited was the fact that the MHS solicitation was 350 pages in length. For a more prominent weapon system such as a sniper rifle or grenade launcher this would probably be a sufficient document but for a design such as a handgun, whose basic operation has arguably not dramatically changed since the invention of the 1911, this was seen by many as excessive.

Although Sig Sauer didn’t win the service handgun competitions in the 1980s with the P226 entry produced for it, the company did pick up some smaller contracts with the U.S. Navy as the M11, primarily issued to Naval Special Warfare entities but also sailors throughout the Fleet. Here an EOD Tech is seen training with his issued M11 in Bahrain.

Regardless of the severe criticism from generals and politicians alike, the MHS program continued to push forward through testing and evaluation. Slowly, contenders dropped out of the race despite a number of efforts to deliver the best platform they could. Smith & Wesson for example partnered with General Dynamics to develop the company’s Military & Police line for the competition. CZ and Beretta came up with relatively new designs compared to their former product line, the CZ P-09 and the Beretta APX. Many of these entries were weeded out, but apart from the APX we saw them introduced to the U.S. civilian market at SHOT 2017. Ruger refused to even submit an entry into the competition, realizing early on the monstrous task of tooling up the R&D section to produce a handgun worthy of fitting the solicitation. H&K, Glock, Kriss Arms, FN Herstal and STI submitted bids as well.

Finally, on January 17 while in the midst of SHOT 2017, the news leaked that the Army had officially chosen the Sig P320 submission as the winner of the $580 Million MHS Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract. Essentially similar to the civilian P320 currently available on the market, the M17 handgun will feature the addition of an external manual safety lever, loaded chamber indicator, a trigger “mud flap” to capture foreign debris and coated with a desert themed finish. Unconfirmed reports show that the Army is purchasing the handgun at a price of $207 per unit, not including holsters, cleaning kits, spare magazines or servicing and training. Several opinions within the industry point to the timing of the handgun acceptance on the eve of President Trump’s inauguration as President. Some speculate that behind closed doors within the competition, there was fear of the program’s cancellation due to President Trump’s insistence on reducing Federal funding as evidenced by the employee hiring freeze he instituted just days into taking office. How true this fact is probably won’t be confirmed until several years from now when the full details are released.

The Beretta APX was developed specifically for the competition after the Army refused Beretta’s M9A3 upgrade. As of yet the APX has not been offered to the U.S. civilian market, but this could change in the future. There has been some sighting of the APX for sale in Argentina. This handgun lacks a manual safety, but the versions submitted to MHS did indeed include a manual safety.

From a price perspective the Sig 320 probably underbid the competition so severely that any other alternative probably couldn’t have come close to competing with it. In addition, the modularity of the P320 was also too advantageous to ignore. Because the handgun is designed around a chassis system that is inserted into the polymer frame, replacing the frame if damaged is extremely cost effective compared to practically replacing the entire handgun as would be the case with the former M9 with a dedicated aluminum frame.

With the MHS competition completed and handgun selected, the U.S. Army should begin retiring the M9 and replacing it with the M17 handgun in 2018-2019. Complete procurement throughout the National Guard and Reserve component will probably take a little while longer than that, but those two entities will probably see a thorough rearmament in the 2020s. About this time is when the Marine Corps should begin a similar purchase process as well. As for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, there hasn’t been any word yet as to procurement plans, but the author would assume that they will probably follow suit as well. But for now, soldiers can be rest assured that they will soon be getting a reliable, polymer, striker fired handgun to take downrange into harm’s way.

Then start reading the claims made on the cleaners’ and lubricants’ labels, e.g., Silicon formula repels water, slick as silk, Teflon-based, petroleum-pure, won’t burn, removes lead and copper build up, chosen by Navy SEALs, works in all conditions, dissolves carbon, etc., etc. Most of us read these claims, buy a solvent/cleaner or lubricant that sounds good and have no clue about what we’re really applying on our guns to protect them against environment and wear without sacrificing reliability.

Let’s begin with a basic understanding of our primary goal(s) and work toward the solution. We are concerned with two things; Maintaining our firearms in the best condition possible and operating (shooting) them with the highest confidence in their reliability attainable. To accomplish these two goals we do two things. We clean, lubricate and store our firearms to preserve their availability (ready condition), and we practice shooting them for proficiency under (most often) ideal range environmental conditions.

Real-world carry resulting in a gunfight is a rare event for most everyone, save our law enforcement and military communities. Thus, we are lulled into a false sense of security when it comes to the maintenance measures we afford our firearms. Subsequently, we select cleaners and lubricants mostly based on manufacturers’ claims or cost economy. But there is a better way.

There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to solvent cleaners or lubricants. A cleaning agent or lubricant that claims both qualities, is generally inadequate for either requirement when it comes down to the dynamic attributes demanded by both.

In comparison to lubricants, cleaning agents are, by necessity, generally thin viscosity liquids or sprays that are designed to penetrate with the express purpose of dissolving or loosening carbon, lubricant sludge, bore lead, copper build-up, etc. Some cleaning agents also displace moisture and some provide a protective surface coating to discourage rust.

Some cleaning agents are more effective than others, even if the difference in chemical formulation is subtle and undetectable to the user when it’s applied. Most cleaning agents are not formulated to be firearm-operating-system-specific and are designed for general purpose use on any firearm. Lacking specific attributes is not necessarily bad or good. Rather, it is a market-driven matter of fact.

There are some things to be aware of and avoid when it comes to cleaning agent formulation. When you clean your firearm you’re not just cleaning the surface metal. You need to think about cleaning at a macro, even a micro level. Removing surface sludge and carbon so the bolt and bore shine is indeed important to reliability. However, displacing and removing moisture at the metal’s granular level is equally important.

If you were to view your firearm’s metallic surface under a microscope, you would see its metal structure is granular and is actually composed of tightly compacted metal grains. You would further observe there are microscopic voids between the grains. Machined surfaces look much like a microscopic flagstone patio. The seams between the grains vary, as do the grain size and layout (structure), depending upon the type of metal and the process used to form, harden and temper it. Steel, for example, is more tightly organized (granularly compacted) than aluminum. Billet-machined metal, for example, is granularly different from cast or sintered metal and very different from hammer-forged metal. Chrome and nickel, used as plating, are very tightly grained and oxidation resistant. That’s why they make such an effective anti-wear and preservation surface plating on other, less hard ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

So–when cleaning, the objective is to not only clean the surface metal but the micro-surface. This means you’ll need to have an understanding of the cleaning solution you’re using that goes beyond the manufacturers’ fine print. There are few solvents that have the ability to penetrate at the metal’s granular level and displace water that can ultimately contribute to metal failure. In general, silicon and Teflon-based cleaners and lubricants displace surface water but do not penetrate at the granular level. In fact, they may actually serve to hold moisture in the metal’s granular structure while providing surface water repellency. This is to say that just because you see rain beading off your gun’s metal parts on a rainy day hunt, doesn’t mean your gun is truly protected.

Assuming you’re not a chemist, how do you identify a penetrating cleaner that displaces water at the granular level? Try this experiment the next time your gun gets soaked. Dry it with a clean absorbent cloth. Now liberally spray the metal surfaces and bore with WD-40 (WD stands for water displacement, 40 is the formulation number). Place the gun in a muzzle down position so the WD-40 doesn’t run onto the stock. Wait a few minutes and observe water slowly appear and bead on the surface of the metal. Wipe it off with a dry cloth. Reapply the WD-40, and you’ll find no water will form.

Wipe it dry again and this time clean the gun and apply a suitable viscosity lubricant to the wear points and a light preservative to the gun’s weather (outer) surfaces. WD-40 will work fine to protect the weather surfaces. This is not meant as an endorsement for WD-40, but it’s available at all hardware stores, it’s cheap, and it works. There are other penetrating water displacing cleaners that will work equally well that additionally dissolve sludge and carbon. Read the formulation fine print between manufacturers and compare the basic tenants of cleaner formulation. Stay away from silicon and Teflon-based formulas for displacement of granular water.

Assuming you now have properly cleaned your gun, what type of lubrication should you apply and how should it be applied? The short answer is always apply lubricant liberally to all wear surfaces, springs, catches and hinge pins. Choose a lubricant for the wear points with a viscosity that won’t melt off when your gun is hot or wash off in the rain.

Far too many shooters shoot their weapons in a “dry” condition. They properly clean and lubricate their gun, then wipe the lube off the gun parts before reassembly. That’s a suicidal bad habit if you expect your gun to reliably fire more than the round you have chambered. Granted, there are circumstances where a gun must be maintained in a “dry” condition like desert and artic environments. However, there are specifically formulated “dry” lubricants available for use in such extremes that don’t hold grit and ice.

The general rule of thumb is use plenty of lube on your gun’s moving parts, especially the wear points like slide guide rails, bolt carrier groups, hammer hinge pins, firing pins, ejector mechanisms, recoil springs and spring rod guides, springs in general, magazine springs and followers, etc. Use a heavy viscosity lube on wear points like guide rails and bolt lugs. Use a light viscosity lube on springs, firing pins, magazine springs and followers. Use a corrosion preventive on weather surfaces like gun barrels, receivers, top covers, etc.

Never use cleaning solvents or lubricating oil on a wooden stock surface. It can soften the wood finish or even remove it, ruining the stock’s beauty and weather resistance. Applying any cleaner other than soapy water to clean a polymer stock is simply a waste of cleaner.

Finally, in most cases it is not necessary to clean your gun every time you shoot it, unless you’ve shot several hundred rounds, or your gun was exposed to environmental extremes. If you shot your gun on an indoor (even an outdoor) range under ideal conditions and only shot a box or two for practice, you probably don’t need to clean your gun.

Today’s non-corrosive primers and propellants don’t threaten rust or corrosion. Simply wipe your gun down with a surface protectant and re-lube the wear points sparingly. Wipe off any excess and you’ll be ready for your next practice. If you carry the gun you’ve just used for practice, clean it, lube it and return it to its carry-ready status.

Modern firearm designs generally facilitate easy disassembly for cleaning and repair. Screws and springs are captured so they aren’t lost, and many designs require no special tools for cleaning disassembly. There are even a number of space-age surface coatings that are gaining popularity that make major firearm components like receivers, barrels, bolts, etc. nearly impervious to rust and corrosion and even possess self-lubricious characteristics.

These coatings are applied by spraying or painting them on, or through electro-static or electroplating processes. Some require oven curing, or curing at room temperature over a period of several weeks. These coatings are not cheap, but most are effective – some more than others. Even coatings require cleaning and some form of lubrication. Don’t neglect cleaning them because they’re coated.

Cleaning and lubing your guns properly will extend their life expectancy well beyond your own. Proper cleaning and lubing will extend yours too if you get into a gunfight that requires your gun’s operational reliability to win.

FÉLIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés) is the French name for the Infantryman with Integrated Equipment and Connections, a combat system for the 21st century.

FÉLIN is “Made in France” by Sagem, part of the Safran Group. FÉLIN gives the French soldier the most modern combat-proven infantry system in the world. FÉLIN combines innovative optronic and digital technologies with integrated and modular equipment and protection for dismounted soldiers. FÉLIN enhances efficiency during operations. The technological equipment is based on the experience of mounted and dismounted combat in all types of environments: countryside, desert, jungle, mountain, urban warfare, etc., both day and night.

FÉLIN is adapted to French doctrine and French operational missions. The system has been in service since 2010 and used in three theatres of operation. After Afghanistan in 2012, French regiments equipped with the FÉLIN, have been deployed to new zones in African theatres of operation; first in Mali, then in the Central African Republic. It has been used for a large range of situations: high intensity combat, patrols, convoy escorts, securing zones and protecting civilian populations. In 2015, 17 regiments in the French Army were fully outfitted with the FÉLIN system (18,500 FÉLIN V1 systems), and today all the subdivisions of French infantry are equipped with the FÉLIN: paratroops, mountain troops and motorized troops. FÉLIN’s integrated infantry suite system is characterized with a modular architecture that can be adapted according to the type of mission and can be used in all types of theaters. FÉLIN will enhance the skills of soldiers in terms of shooting precision, day and night combat, intelligence and coordination. Special attention was given to protection, from the individual warrior, up to the entire group. FÉLIN offers multiple soldier configurations adapted to operational profiles such as: Section chief (platoon) and group leader (squad), grenadier (French: grenadier is a foot soldier in a mechanized unit), machine gunner and sniper. The system improves operational capabilities, equipping infantrymen with voice and data network communication equipment that is reliable and secure and multi-spectral devices for observation and firing. The system’s planning and maneuver monitoring tools give the fighting unit the advantage on the ground.

FÉLIN infantryman’s FAMAS G2 assault rifle here—one with an EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight (left, also with an action camera for video recording and streaming) and one with the SWORD T&D Multiweapon thermal and day weapon sight. Photo: Aud Håland

FÉLIN is light, ergonomic and includes:
• A C4I network with a digital MANET type personal radio which has reliable, secure voice and data and integrated GPS
• Terminal for planning, mission monitoring and management of tactical situations with intuitive Man-Machine Interface (MMI)
• Centralized energy management for missions up to 72 hours
• Optronic equipment for mobility, observation and firing
• Helmet-mounted vision system (retractable eyepiece or night vision binoculars adapted to the situation)
• Multi-function, multi-spectral binoculars (JIM)
• Weapon sights (SWORD) with a round-the-corner aiming and firing device, including control handles.

Modular carrying and protection system:
• Flexible and hard ballistics protection
• NBC (Nuclear, Bacteriological and Chemical) protection
• Climatic adaptation.

Each soldier has an MMI eyepiece with a color screen, a personal radio with high performance
and a reliable audio system radio linked to the Infantry Information Network. The soldier is
equipped with an embedded GPS and an osteo-phonic communication headband.

The headband is comprised of two osteo headphones, one osteo microphone and one cable connector for the radio. Sound is transmitted by bone vibrations, making the system completely inconspicuous; listening is not hindered by surrounding noise. Using a low voice in a tactical situation is transmitted over the radio loudly and clearly. The audio headband is powered by the personal radio. It is worn independently of the ballistic helmet. It is controlled by the “push-to-talk” buttons on the radio or on a (Bluetooth wireless link communication) remote button pad control that is mounted on the weapon’s fore grip. This system enables soldiers to exchange data and audio simultaneously, including audio conferencing, alerts, images and video. This communication system can be integrated in all combat configurations, including an NBC environment due to its ergonomics and small volume. Group leaders (chef de groupe d’infanterie) have a SitComdé tactical terminal (SIT COMDE—Off-board Soldier Terminal Information System) that is the nerve center of the SIT and SIR (regimental) networks. The SIT COMDE, which features a color touchscreen, lets the group leader manage the tactical situation using multi-format mapping, integrated messaging and friend/foe position display (BFT/RFT–Blue and Red Force Tracking). It integrates data and videos from the sensors: weapon sights and multifunctional binoculars, etc.

JIM LR binoculars—Long-range, multifunction, cooled thermal imaging, day time color, telemetry, GPS and magnetic compass. JIM is available in three versions to meet different operational needs. Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka-Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense

Weapons and Weapon Sights

A group’s small arms include FAMAS assault rifles in 5.56×45 mm caliber, MINIMI machine gun 5.56×45 mm caliber and FR F2 sniper rifle 7.62x 51 mm caliber.

Typical effective firing ranges:
• FAMAS 5.56 mm: 450 m
• MINIMI 5.56 mm: 300 to 1,000 m
• FR F2 7.62 mm: 800 m.

At present, the FÉLIN infantryman has a modified assault rifle, FAMAS G2, equipped with a Picatinny rail for mounting of sights; for example, a Holographic Weapon Sight or a SWORD T&D Multi-weapon thermal & day weapon sight.* The FAMAS assault rifle is of a bullpup configuration, with the ammunition feed behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle housing is made of fiberglass. The rifle uses a lever-delayed blowback action. Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings: safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts or fully automatic; this is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine. The FAMAS G2 weighs 3.8 kg (8.38 lb.). It has a large, grip-length trigger-guard to allow easy access to the trigger when wearing gloves and a fore grip with keyboard button controls for the day/night sight and radio.

This way, the infantryman can simultaneously use his radio and keep his weapon pointed towards threats.

The rifle also features a bipod attached to the upper hand-guard. The FAMAS G2 is equipped with a new bayonet particularly adapted to the needs of the modern soldier. The bayonet can be used as a knife for up-close combat or as a cutter for cables and barbed wire. Within the section/group, the sniper has a high-performance scope attached to the 7.62 mm FR-F2 Bolt-action rifle. The rifle barrel is thermally shielded along a considerable part of the barrel by a polymer shroud. It uses a bipod-stock configuration which is built just ahead of the receiver.

JIM LR binoculars—Long-range, multifunction, cooled thermal imaging, day time color, telemetry, GPS and magnetic compass. JIM is available in three versions to meet different operational needs. Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka-Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense

Weapon Sights

FÉLIN includes three types of optronics: 1) a Holographic Weapon Sight for the FAMAS assault rifle; 2) a day/night sight SWORD T&D both for the FAMAS assault rifle and the MINIMI machine gun; and 3) the day/night Sniper rifle sight. The SWORD T&D relays the sight image and can be seen on a terminal on the chest or the removable helmet. The SWORD T&D multi-weapon thermal and day weapon sight is simple and ergonomic, optimizing the weapon’s accuracy and effectiveness day and night. It ensures that the first shot is on target, thus improving the ammunitions’ lethality and efficiency. Integrating the latest technologies, it has:

• Digital day and thermal channels
• Uncooled IR technology (quickly activated, highly reliable and discreet)
• Digital bore sighting
• Choice of reticle for weapons and ammunition
• A remote control handle allows the user to operate the SWORD T&D without letting go of the weapon
• Advanced communications capabilities:
– Remote observation and firing
– Image and video sequence capture.

The section chief (Lieutenant—le chef de section) [American: platoon commander] and his tactical FÉLIN tablet. This digital maneuvering aide allows the multiplication of capabilities of combatants during operations. Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka-Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense

Round the Corner or Over the Fence

Observation and firing functions were also optimized for urban combat zones; for example, the ability to aim around corners or over fences. This capability allows for observation and neutralization of an enemy without the soldier exposing himself to enemy fire.

Sniper Rifle Sight

Equipped with a new generation of infrared cameras, with direct view optics and a laser telemeter, the FÉLIN sniper scope allows the sniper to support an infantry group or to deploy a security detail and thus cover a sector with a radius of over a kilometer. One of the attributes of the new aiming sights in the FÉLIN is the ability to detect threats from farther away and shoot with extreme precision.

Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka, Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense

Observation, Detection and Identification

For day and night detection, the group leader has the JIM medium range, multifunction infrared binoculars. The section chief is equipped with the JIM LR—Long-range multifunction binoculars have thermal imaging, daytime color, telemetry, GPS and a magnetic compass. They
can even record video and pictures. The French manufacturer has integrated all these functions into one piece of equipment, weighing only three kilograms. With these binoculars, the infantry group can now identify and locate a target with precision for intelligence purpose or artillery guidance. That underlines the section’s observation capacities over several kilometers.

SWORD T&D multiweapon thermal and day weapon sight can be mounted on many types of weapons, from assault rifles to multirole recoilless rifles and from machine guns to 20/25 mm cannons.

Clothing and Armor

Basic combat clothing has a full cut allowing free movement. The material (fabric) offers good mechanical properties but still allows good air permeability. The fibers (aramid/viscose FR) are flame- and wash-resistant.

The ballistic jacket accommodates:
– Flexible ballistic protection
– Hard ballistic protection
– Combat vest/load-bearing structure that optimizes weight distribution on the soldier.

Special attention was given to soldier protection. The French FÉLIN combat uniform includes a ballistic combat vest/load-bearing outfit for several functions.

SWORD T&D multiweapon thermal and day weapon sight can be mounted on many types of weapons, from assault rifles to multirole recoilless rifles and from machine guns to 20/25 mm cannons.

It has flexible ballistics plates and can be supplemented with hard ballistics plates. Its structure integrates the electronics, cables and connectors, flexible water bottle, magazines for the weapons and grenades. The equipment has a modular design. The headgear is composed of three components: head protection, optronic equipment and communication. The ballistic shell optimizes protection and load-bearing ergonomics (weight distribution). It can accommodate various items required for the mission (facial protection: anti-laser goggles, protective visor and anti-shrapnel jaw pad). The helmet shape is compatible with all firing positions of the weapons used. In front it has an adapter for mounting of retractable/removable eyepiece and night vision goggles.

The helmet will also be equipped with passive elements for audio protection. The combat uniform with specific camouflaging and low infrared signature has low-fire sensitivity, good mechanical resistance and is even treated with mosquito repellent. It integrates modular and flexible ballistic protective elbow, knee and hand pads against handguns and knives. Optionally, there are modular hard plate pads for extra protection in specific conditions. For NBC environments, infantry soldiers have a permanent uniform integrating micro-cell technology, a mask with filtering respiratory assistance and water supply in contaminated environments. The NBC combat clothing is similar to permanent combat clothing. It is designed to allow combat phases to be carried out with the same efficiency as that achieved with conventional combat clothing. Specific gear for crowd control can be added: arm pads, shin pads and a visor.

September 2011: Lt. Cunningham explains to the author the individual soldier’s equipment details. The French units in Afghanistan were using this serial FÉLIN equipment that year. Photo By: Aud Hålan

Mechanized

The FÉLIN system is completed with a vehicle integration kit for the sections’ combat vehicles with individual energy sources to recharge batteries, battery chargers that can be off-boarded and a synchronizing and information systems function between the vehicle (Sit) and group leaders (SIT COMDE).

The importance of the infantry group (squad) on the modern battlefield with FÉLIN “Future Infantry Soldier Equipment” can hardly be exaggerated. Thanks to the optronics, in night combat the supremacy of the equipment is total. During the day, shooting can be done beyond the natural vision of the human eye. FÉLIN has transformed the sections’ work methods down to the individual soldier. An example of such a development is the 2nd Marine Infantry Regiment (2e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine, 2e RIMa), which is among the units in the French Army that have fought in the most battles. In September, 2012, RIMa received the new FÉLIN integrated system for the dismounted soldier. System weight: 24 kg for 24 hours of dismounted combat in a typical grenadier configuration.

Photo By: Aud Hålan

Mounted and Boots on Ground

The mounted portion of combat takes place aboard the VBCI armored infantry combat vehicle. Before dismounting, the manoeuver is prepared on the portable command computer.

From this tactical tablet the leader prepares the groups’ task. Dismounted, the group leader is connected to the radio network of the infantrymen; the tablet computer integrates digital maps, messaging functions and the ability to see images transmitted by the binoculars and aiming sights. Via GPS, the tablet shows the real-time location of the soldiers and vehicles. The arrival of the new VBCI armored infantry vehicle adds even force to the FÉLIN with its performance in terms of mobility, protection, observation and tactical information sharing. The dismounted combat groups are supported by the VBCI’s powerful 25 mm cannon combined by its new day/night sights and cameras.

The NEXTER armored vehicle for infantry combat (Véhicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie—VBCI) provides a dynamic manoeuver with its transmission and information systems ensuring a direct link between the armored vehicles and the dismounted combat group. The 2nd RIMa has 29 VBCIs, of which five are configured to be command vehicles. Highly protected, the VBCI is a new-generation armored vehicle that has, like FÉLIN, proven its effectiveness during high intensity combat in Afghanistan and in Mali. Its 25 mm cannon can theoretically fire up to 400 rounds per minute. It can carry 11 soldiers 750 km.

Infantry soldiers from 16ème Batalion de Chasseurs dismount from their “mother ship,” the VBCI. FÉLIN system’s weight when dismounted is 24 kg for 24 hours of dismounted combat in a typical grenadier configuration. The organic small arms staffing of the section’s combat groups (the squads) are for combat, divided into 2 teams. Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka-Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense

Remarks

In 2013, according to the 2014 to 2019 defense program law, a total of 18,552 FÉLIN systems were scheduled to be handed over to the French Army. Seventeen French infantry regiments are equipped with it today. The FÉLIN system will provide the soldier with improved close-combat capability in terms of lethality, survivability, mobility and C4I.

Upgrade: Sagem has been awarded by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) a contract that requires the company to update the existing FÉLIN (V1) systems to the FÉLIN V1.3 configuration. The new configuration is designed to optimize the system’s observation and combat functions. From 2017 onwards, members of the Army, Air Force and Navy will be equipped with their new service weapon, again in 5.56 mm caliber.

kilometer. The 5.56 mm MINIMI also has a FÉLIN version of the SWORD T&D, a decisive attribute for combat at night or in obscurity, well over 300 m. Photo courtesy of Philippe Wodka-Gallien, Safran Electronics & Defense” width=”100%” />