AUSA 2010 proved to be a great success, with attendance by exhibitors and show attendees exceeding prior records.  Held from 25-27 October 2010, the show attracted attendees from more than a dozen countries.  The AUSA trade show continues to be one of the premier military hardware trade shows within the United States, with displays of rotary aircraft, artillery, and solider systems.  Small Arms Defense Journal took note of several land warfare systems of note.

Colt
Colt revealed the CM901, a modular carbine that incorporates aspects and features of the M16/M4 and the AR10 into a single rifle system.  Expanding upon the ever popularity to the modular M16/M4 system where an upper receiver can be changed out for longer (or shorter) barrel, the CM901 takes modularity to a new level by also making the lower receiver modular.

By switching out the magazine well section of the lower receiver, the weapon system is able to be converted from 5.56mm to nearly any other caliber, including 7.62×51, 6.8 SPC, or 6.5 Grendel.  In addition, the lower is reportedly backwards compatible to all other existing 5.56 upper receivers, allowing the user to maintain existing inventories of 5.56 upper receivers.

Colt CM901 weapons system. Capable of being configured as a 5.56, 7.62x51, or 6.8 SPC rifle, the system allows increased modularity to an already crowded field of options to the existing M4, SR25, and AR10 systems.

The modularity aspects of the system are staggering.  Considering that the recoil system – whether gas piston or direct impingement – is within the upper receiver, the new CM901 can be configured into any platform the user desires.  More importantly, the system offers full ambidextrous controls, with a selector switch, bolt release, and magazine release controls on both sides of the lower receiver.

When configured in 7.62×51, the system reportedly utilizes Magpul magazines and Knight’s Armament SR25/M110 magazines.

Fabrique Nationale
FN revealed the FCU-850N, a fire control unit designed for the FN Mk13 40mm enhanced grenade launcher.  Incorporating both a laser range finder and fire control unit, the FCU-850N provides greater first round hit probability by first measuring the distance between the shooter and target, then providing an aiming solution via electronic reticle.  Interestingly enough, the unit also incorporates a clinometer that measures the angle of launch.  While the FN representatives were unable to provide additional detail, presumably, the firing solution changes as the weapon’s vertical angle of fire is adjusted and changed.  The system reportedly is capable of recording the ballistic solutions for more than 50 different types of 40mm rounds.

When used alone, the laser range finder is capable of assisting shooters with range confirmation, while also being utilized as visible or IR laser pointer.  The unit is compatible with any 40mm grenade launcher system that features a top (12 o’clock) Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail.

Barrett Firearms M240LW, a light weight M240 GPMG.

Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin unveiled the HULC, a hydraulically powered exo-skeleton capable of assisting soldiers carry loads exceeding 200 pounds for extended periods, over all types of terrain.  Weighing 53 pounds without batteries, the system utilizes a low flow, high pressure hydraulic system to assist the soldier.  Powered by lithium polymer batteries and standard hydraulic fluid, the system is reportedly capable of running for upwards of 72 hours.  In standard mode, the system has a range of 12.5 miles, at a speed of .66 miles per hour.  Maximum sustained speeds of 7 miles per hour, and a burst speed of 10 miles per hour are reported.  As battery power falls, the system reportedly continues to support the loads, without restricting mobility.

Barrett
Long known for its .50 caliber rifles, Barrett showcased its lightweight M240 GPMG.  All major components, (including the trigger group, bolt assembly and barrel) are compatible with the new Barrett system.  Major weight savings appear to be achieved via redesign of the weapon’s receiver and forend/heat shield.

Barrett also displayed the M107A1, the latest variant in the M82/M107 series.  Weighing 4 pounds less than the M107, the M107A1 is designed to be used with a sound suppressor.  Utilizing a four-point titanium muzzle brake, the rifle/suppressor combination features a quick attach feature.

The Lockheed Martin HULC allows soldiers to mount heavy objects to the front or rear of the exoskeleton.

The lightweight aluminum upper receiver features an integrated, rigid 27 MOA optics rail.  Inside the upper receiver, the bolt carrier rides on a hardened steel, anti-wear strip for added durability.  A thermal-guard cheek piece protects the user’s face from extreme heat or cold.  A titanium barrel key and fully chrome-lined bore and chamber add to the rifle’s durability.  Finally, the M107A1 rifle’s lower receiver includes a new aluminum recoil buffer system that’s optimized for use with a suppressor.  The bolt carrier’s components are protected with a mix of ultra-hard PVD coatings and advanced nickel Teflon plating that increases lubricity, is corrosion-resistant and greatly eases cleaning.

The AUSA show is a great opportunity to witness developments in the small arms industry, talk to the engineers involved in the R&D process, and discuss innovations with others within the small arms community.   The 2011 meeting will be held in Washington, DC, from 10–12 October, 2011.

As basic review, recall that the most recent variants of 40mm grenade systems are typically deemed “third generation” systems, following the design of the M79 40mm grenade launcher, the original first generation 40mm grenade launcher.  Later second generation launchers are represented by the Colt M203, and the Heckler and Koch M69 launchers as systems that require mounting to the host weapon.  The newest 40mm grenade launchers represent an entirely new system of weapons, representing the third generation of the 40mm grenade launcher.

In general terms, third generation 40mm grenade launcher systems are defined as a multifunctional 40mm grenade launcher.  That is, they are capable of functioning as a standalone unit or as part of an integrated rifle system.  Third generation systems frequently feature the increased use of aluminum, composites, and polymers within the manufacturing process, and generally rely upon a side opening breech, rather than the M203’s slide forward breech mechanism.  By opening to the side, the third generation systems are better capable of accepting 40mm rounds that are longer in length than the original M583 parachute flare round.  This is a significant and important feature as increasing numbers of less lethal and medium velocity 40mm rounds enter the market.

The FN40GL 40mm grenade launcher, with barrel extended and canted to the right. The barrel is also capable to canting to the left for ease of loading from either side of the weapon.

Finally, third generation systems all feature universal mounting solutions reliant upon Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rails as a means of mounting the launcher to the host weapon.  By presenting a universal mounting solution, third generation 40mm systems offer a unilateral cross-platform 40mm solution – that is, a single 40mm weapon system may be mounted on a host of primary weapons, without special tools in a quick and efficient manner.  Mounting a third generation system to the host weapon typically requires the minimal use of common hand tools rather than relying upon specialized mounting hardware typically required to mount second generation 40mm systems to the host weapon.  It should be no surprise that the Fabrique Nationale FN40GL system fits the definition of a third generation 40mm system nearly exactly.

The System
The FN40GL Enhanced Grenade Launcher is intended for integration with the Fabrique Nationale SCAR 16 and SCAR 17 rifles.  Capable of firing all types of NATO standard 40x46mm low-velocity grenades, the FN40GL may be mounted under either rifle or may be configured as a stand-alone launcher.

When assembled on a Mk16/Mk17 host rifle, mounting is easily accomplished with a trigger adapter and dual locking clamp levers.  The FN40GL easily mounts to the Picatinny rails at the 6 o’clock position on the host rifle.  No special tools to mount or dismount the launcher from the host rifle are required as one merely flips the two mounting levers upward.  The mounting system is as easily manipulated as any common Picatinny rail attachment.  When mounted to the host rifle, the FN40GL is firmly mounted without any flex or movement, yet is easily removed quickly and without the use of tools.

Completely ambidextrous, the FN40GL utilizes a polymer receiver mated to an aluminum barrel for durability and light weight.  Unlike other third generation 40mm systems, the 9.6-inch barrel swivels to the right or left for ease of loading and unloading from any firing position.  This feature differentiates the FN40GL from other 40mm systems.  While other systems allow the barrel to pivot to either the left or right, other 40mm systems force the user to choose one direction or the other.  The FN40GL is currently the only 40mm system that allows the barrel to pivot in either direction at any time.  While this may not seem significant, the ability to load the weapon from either the left or right allows left handed shooters to utilize a standard system without modification.  More importantly, the design allows the shooter to load the weapon in any position – left or right – an important feature when loading from one side may prove difficult or impossible in the heat of battle.

Firing the FN40GL.

The FN40GL may also be mounted to an alloy stand-alone stock assembly to allow individual use of the system.  While the launcher is outfitted with Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rails at the 12 o’clock position, the stand-alone stock assembly provides rails at the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions to allow the mounting of lights, lasers and other targeting devices.  While this may not seem significant, recall than 40mm systems are being used in increasing numbers in a less lethal role.  The ability to mount a forward grip, red dot sight, and laser aiming modules on the system may prove valuable on the battlefield, while the ability to mount ultra-bright LED lights and eye safe laser dazzlers may be more appropriate for use in situations involving civil disobedience.

Fabrique Nationale offers the FN40GL with a traditional folding leaf sight as standard sights.  The application of optional after-market grenade launching sights or laser aiming modules is easily mounted to the system via the built in Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rails.

At the Range
The FN40GL is a manually operated, single shot grenade launcher.  Loading is easily accomplished by loading a 40mm grenade within the chamber of the weapon and closing the breech.  The breech is a multiple lug rotating design.  Unloading is easily accomplished by opening the breech via a lever on the left side of the weapon and removing the live round.  The lever to open the breach is intuitive for right handed shooters, and is located in approximately the same location as the legacy M203 system.  As the system opens to the left and right, an ambidextrous opening lever would be innovative, yet mechanically difficult to achieve with the current design.

The trigger of the system is unusually large and placed low on the weapon system.  While the system was fired using the stand alone stock, it appears that the placement of the FN40GL trigger may allow the operator to keep the index (trigger) finger on the trigger of the host weapon, while using the shooter’s middle finger to fire the FN40GL.  Regardless of finger placement, the FN40GL features a double action only trigger system that proved long and heavy.  While firing the system was under ideal conditions, one must recall that most users will be firing the system under duress, whether a civil disturbance using less-lethal rounds, or on the battle field, firing high explosive rounds.  The stress likely faced when firing the system necessarily requires a double action trigger as a means of preventing fratricide and unintended discharges of the weapon.  When firing high explosive, one can never be too careful.

Getting instruction on use and operation of the FN40GL.

Accuracy of the system using the FN designed leaf sight was reasonable and targets at 250 meters were easily engaged within the kill radius of an M433 HE round.  Presumably, accuracy would be better when used in conjunction with electronic or laser sighting systems.  Muzzle velocity was approximately 250 feet per second.

Conclusion
The FN40GL is a highly capable third generation 40mm system.  While the double action only trigger pull is not ideal, the long and heavy trigger pull is likely to prevent accidental discharges in high stress situations.  It can be differentiated from others in the market in that the FN40GL is currently the only 40mm system that allows the barrel to pivot in either direction during the loading sequence.  The system appears to be currently adaptable only to the FN SCAR 16 and SCAR 17, giving limited use on rifles outside of the FN family.  Although tested with a standard leaf sight, accuracy of the system would presumably benefit with the addition of an aftermarket laser range finder, laser designator, or sighting system.  Wide use of Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rails allow the mounting of nearly any aftermarket sighting system.  Additional information may be found online at www.fnhusa.com.

FN40GL Specifications
Length: 20.25” to 26.5” (stand-alone), 11.94” (mounted on SCAR 16), 12.44” (mounted on SCAR 17)
Weight: 5.92 lbs. (stand-alone), 2.96 lbs. (mounted on SCAR 16), 3.0 lbs. (mounted on SCAR 17)
Ammo capacity: Single shot
Operation: Pump action, rotary locking