The Latest Innovations in Homeland Security

Milipol, the 21st Worldwide Exhibition on Internal Security, was held in Paris from November 19 to 22, 2019,  at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre with more than 1,000 exhibitors coming from all over the world. Here are some of the highlights from the exhibition.

LOCATION

Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris, France

WEBSITE en.milipol.com

CONTACT 

NEXT SHOW

Milipol Paris 2021, October 19-22

FOCUS OF SHOW

Milipol Paris is the leading event dedicated to homeland security and safety. The event is organized under the auspices of the French Ministry of Interior in partnership with several governmental bodies. The show focuses on homeland security topics such as data protection-information and communication systems, economic and industrial intelligence, systems integration, risk analysis and management, CBRN, civil defence, law enforcement and forensic science services just to name a few.

STATISTICS

In 2019, the 4-day event welcomed 1,089 exhibitors, 31,185 visitors from 156 countries and 167 official delegations participated in Milipol Paris. 68% of exhibitors and 48% of visitors come from abroad.

DRESS

Business “informal,” meaning jacket and tie, or business casual depending on how you desire to present your company.

HOTEL HINTS

There are many hotels around the exhibition center. Consult travel websites such as expedia.com and tripadvisor.com for suggestions.

POWER & PLUG TYPES

230v 50Hz cycle, 3-prong plugs; may use 220V-240V.

COUNTRY WARNINGS

France is currently Level 2: Exercise increased caution: demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Property damage, including looting and arson, in populated tourist areas has occurred with reckless disregard for public safety. There are currently travel restrictions due to the coronavirus, COVID-19. Consult the CDC before booking travel.

CULTURAL HINTS

In French culture, it is very important to greet people properly. It’s polite to say “bonjour” or “bonsoir” (good morning/good evening) when encountering someone, even if it’s a stranger. People are generally expected to behave discreetly, although public displays of affection aren’t uncommon. You’re also expected to speak in quiet tones, particularly in restaurants.

TIPPING

Tipping is unnecessary unless you feel you received excellent service; in this case, 10% is appropriate. Be aware that a 15% service charge is added automatically to your bill. Overtipping a server is considered to be somewhat vulgar and showy.

GETTING AROUND

The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. Paris is very large, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or RATP system, which runs the metro, also offers several bus routes around the city. Those traveling to Paris by plane can arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), about 22 miles northeast of the city center, or Paris Orly Airport (ORY), about 11 miles south of the city.

MILITARY MUSEUMS

The Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) is a national military museum located at Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The Musée de L’Armée was established in 1905 by merging the Artillery Museum and the Historical Army Museum. It contains 500,000 objects, including weapons, armour, artillery, uniforms, emblems and paintings. It houses the Napoleon’s tomb.

TOURISM

There is no shortage of landmarks to visit in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe along with the numerous cafes and restaurants should keep one busy.

NOTE: All information subject to change. Go to en.milipol.com for up-to-date information.

The Model 52 (also known as Vz. 52) self-loading rifle, calibre 7.62x45mm, is perceived by contemporary collectors and shooters as a successful counterpart of the Soviet SKS model with an original design. Nevertheless, at the time of its origin, the M52 rifle was a genuine nightmare for designers, production factories and Czechoslovak soldiers for several years.

Shortly before the end of WWII, Czechoslovakia pledged in the so-called “Košice Government Programme” to unify its armament with that of the Soviet Union. However, these plans went up in smoke soon after, due to the reluctance of the Soviets to provide information on their latest projects regarding infantry armaments.

When all options had been evaluated, a decision was made in Czechoslovakia at the end of 1946 to pursue its own path regarding ammunition for rifles and machine guns. Originally, two directions were considered: one of them was a variation on the Soviet 7.62x54R cartridge, but with the cartridge case having a groove replace the complicated rim of the case bottom, and the other involved new ammunition “with lower ballistic performance.”

The other type of ammunition was designed by Ing. Alois Farlík (1900–1985) from Zbrojovka Brno, and it originally bore the designation of 7.62mm. Nevertheless, since there were several “7.62s” on the scene, the cartridge was renamed in 1947 to “7.5mm ostrý náboj” or “7.5mm live cartridge” (7.5x45mm, Z-47, Z-49). This cartridge, which could pride itself on its decent ballistic performance, became the basis for development of new self-loading rifles in 1947.

Potemkin Unification

Two state-owned companies took part in the rifle development: Česká zbrojovka in Strakonice and Zbrojovka Brno. In Strakonice, the attention soon shifted to a model with the transfer of gas energy using a piston mechanism designed by Jan Kratochvíl (1912–2002), in cooperation with his younger brother Jaroslav (1915–1972).

The development was not hurried. In this respect it can be said that everything was going as usual till the Spring of 1950; designing, testing and improving resulted in the following three most promising prototypes: the ZK 472 and ZJ 481 from Zbrojovka Brno and the ČZ 493 from Strakonice. Although none of them had shown  optimum performance yet, all seemed to be slowly nearing a successful end. However, in the Spring of 1950, Alexej Čepička, the son-in-law of the Communist Party leader Klement Gottwald, assumed the office of the Minister of National Defence and immediately launched a radical Sovietization of the Czechoslovak Army. The pledge for unification of armaments with the Soviet Army suddenly became something like a law.

Already in May 1950, all programs involving non-unified ammunition were halted with an immediate effect. Then, the Czechoslovak Ministry of National Defence (MND) attempted to acquire  licences from the USSR for the manufacture of a bolt-action rifle, a self-loading rifle and a light machine gun calibre 7.62mm “of the latest type.” Even though, in most other cases, the Soviets had been willing to accommodate such applications, in this case they strictly refused. The reason evidently was not just their lasting secretive mania but also the huge troubles the Soviet arms industry was encountering during the production launch of a new generation of infantry weapons, especially the automatic AK rifle in calibre 7.62x39mm.

The new upper echelons of the Czechoslovak Army had clearly been expecting such development, because a reconstruction program of the 7.5mm cartridge and the corresponding firearms was parallelly released already in August 1950. The paradoxes of that time showed, in that the issues were being solved by means of minor changes. A document on the topic of the new Z-50, or the 7.62x45mm cartridge of the period, states: “When the decision to change to cal. 7.62mm had been adopted, the already solved 7.5mm cartridge was generally left without any changes, just the diameter of the bullet and the cartridge case was [sic] modified.”

Into Armament with Overweight

In the autumn of 1950, the Army chose to further develop only the ČZ 493 model by Česká zbrojovka (CZ). The decision came as a surprise, given that the rifle’s performance had so far been considerably fluctuating. Its biggest problems were in accuracy. On the other hand, the latest specimens of calibre 7.5mm had shown satisfactory reliability during testing.

The 7.62x45mm calibre prototypes were designated ČZ 502 and, to the significant disappointment of Česká zbrojovka and the Army, their parameters deteriorated considerably, especially the increase in weight. It was due to the hectic pace of the calibre modification and to the necessity to implement additional requirements. (It was the Soviet advisers who recommended using a non-removable folding bayonet, as opposed to the previously used simple bayonet that could be inserted into the forearm.)

What troubled the designers most was the weight. According to the original assignment, the weight of the firearm with an empty magazine was expected to be 3kg, but in reality it was considerably higher. In the end, it was necessary to  change the requirements, and, on March 20, 1952, the “7.62mm samonabíjecí puška vz. 52,” weighing 3.95kg without a magazine, was introduced. The same directive applied to the introduction of the “7.62mm krátký náboj vz. 52” with  a bullet weight of 8.5g.

Two Manufacturers’ Challenges

Two code marks can be found on M52 self-loading rifles: “aym” and “she.” The first mark was reserved for Považské strojárne in Považská Bystrica in Slovakia, while the other code mark is still used on products for armed forces made by Česká zbrojovka, a.s., Uherský Brod, at that time Závody přesného strojírenství (ZPS).

According to the original plans, production of the M52 rifles was to take place in Považská Bystrica only. The local factory was an ammunitions plant in the first place, but it prided itself with its half-forgotten tradition of producing Model 24 and K98k bolt-action rifles—and with its position far from the western border of Czechoslovakia. The MND and the Ministry of Interior Security requested a total of 372,000 M52 self-loading rifles, the delivery of which spanned from 1952 to 1955, and 40,000 firearms were to be supplied in the first year.

Coordination of production of infantry weapons was the task for the Ministry of General Engineering, which, to its disillusion, found that during the first half of 1952, the bet on Považské strojárne had been an unfortunate step. The Slovak factory lacked qualified and experienced personnel and struggled with long-term fatal lack of tools and measuring instruments. In July 1952, the Ministry decided to solve this situation by assigning a part of the M52 self-loading rifle’s production to Závody přesného strojírenství in Uherský Brod (ZPS). To be able to accommodate the assignment, ZPS had to stop its preparations for production of the DŠKM (DShK M) anti-aircraft machine guns immediately.

During the first months of production preparation, ZPS experienced typical problems, such as procuring the material and forgings. Therefore, it was only during 1953 that ZPS gradually came to realize that the M52 self-loading rifle in its existing form was not ready for serial production. For these reasons, ZPS was able to supply the Army with only 360 rifles by the end of 1953, and instead of production they embarked on removing the identified design and technological flaws.

Hundreds of modifications were made in production drawings from 1953 to 1955. The shape of one of the smaller parts was changed completely. New operations appeared in the manufacturing process, the most obscure of which was welding the pressed-in and pinned locking insert into the receiver, otherwise it would be shifting rearwards during proofing. The incidental folding of the extended bayonet was corrected by means of a new bayonet key. At one time, the situation turned even more dramatic due to random occurrence of M52 cartridges with higher pressures, which destroyed the gun during firing and because of which isothermal hardening of the cartridge chamber had to be implemented. And, on top of it all, the planned performance started to be jeopardized by catastrophic shortage of high-quality walnut wood for stocks. Birch wood, imported from USSR since 1955, was used instead of walnut wood. But the problem with the birch wood stocks was that they tended to swell in humid conditions, so much that it was not possible to remove the buttplate covering the openings with stored accessories. And so, another manufacturing modification was done—a so-called double-buttplate, consisting of a removable buttplate attached to another buttplate permanently mounted on the stock.

A factory cut-away of the M52 rifle from the collection of Wehrkundliche Sammlung Schloss Ebelsberg (Austria).

In the situation when this program represented up to 80% of production volume of ZPS, in 1954 the Army was only willing to accept 11,314 self-loading rifles, and this quantity had come from  so-called selective assembling. There was a shortage of finances for the payment of salaries, not to mention bonuses, and the company was not able to pay sub-suppliers for their material and services. All of this had a harmful influence on the spirit of rank-and-file as well as management employees of ZPS, who started to long for the time when they would have finally completed the M52 rifle production.

A detail of the rear sight and the marking of a piece from 1956. The M52 rifles can be easily dated, but sophisticated alphanumerical numbering was introduced for them, which prevented any estimates of production volumes. At the beginning of production, the arms factory in Uherský Brod (the “she” code) was assigned the initial letters of F, M, V, J, S, K, T, G, E and R, and after these letters had been used up, new letters were assigned. The numbering following the letter changed after each 10,000 unit in two rows: 30,001–40,000 and 60,001–70,000.

Their wishes started to come true in 1955, when the Army accepted 48,435 self-loading rifles. However, the firearm was never rid of all its deficiencies. Its production was continuously accompanied by additional modifications, repairs, minor technological and design changes, not to mention the fact that the hit mark of the first shot showed a significant deviation from the mean point of impact.

In 1956, the Army accepted a total of 58,318 pieces. With respect to ensuring employment for the company, it was planned that this production program would be extended to 1958, when it would be replaced with the planned licence production of SKS carbines. This, however, was no longer true in the Spring of 1957, when a decision had been reached on the introduction of the M52/57 self-loading rifle using a Model 43 (7.62x39mm) cartridge. Production of the M52 self-loading rifle at ZPS definitely ended in September 1957, and only symbolic quantities were completed in the following three months. In 1957, 35,058 M52 self-loading rifles were manufactured in total.

The factory records show that 153,485 M52 rifles were manufactured in total in Uherský Brod from 1953 to 1957.

As far as production in Považská Bystrica is concerned, we are not yet able to map it in detail. It is assumed that it, too, continued till 1957 and that the quantities produced were considerably lower than those at ZPS. The information on the total number of 236,952 M52 rifles provided by the MND in 1958 can serve for the assumption that a little more than 80,000 of these firearms were manufactured in Slovakia.

Hard Lesson

If today’s collectors and shooters consider M52 rifles to be robust, user-friendly and sufficiently accurate (with the exception of the inaccurate first shot), it is, above all, an appraisal addressing the countless workers in both manufacturing plants, but especially the one which is Česká zbrojovka today, the shoulders of which carried most of the burden. When looking back, it is obvious that the M52 self-loading rifle has brought the arms factory in Uherský Brod to the most critical situation in its entire history, without representing any significant stimulus for its technological development. On the other hand, the company has learned a valuable lesson on the unconditional necessity of the perfect design and technological preparedness of new products, which it soon made use of during the demanding production of a new generation of automatic firearms.

Model 52 Self-Loading Rifle

Calibre: 7.62x45mm (M52 cartridge or Z-50)

Overall length with folded bayonet: 1,005mm

Overall length with extended bayonet: 1,205mm

Barrel length: 525mm

Weight of unloaded firearm with empty magazine: 4.15kg

Double-column magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Sometimes it is best to train in shooting alone. It allows you to focus on what needs to be practiced and assures that your practice time will be short, sweet and to the point. When training with others there is a tendency to spend time on war stories, goofing-off with others’ firearms and the shooting of a lot more ammo than is necessary. Let’s look at how to focus, be prepared and accomplish your goal.

Keep It Short—Focus

When preparing to go shooting, keep in the mind all that you need to bring with you. Perhaps you need to make a list to assure that you have everything before you leave home. If you live a great distance from a range or a shooting area, finding out you left something behind is a big frustration. A wasted trip is not what you want. Not if your visit is controlled by time constraints.

The equipment will depend upon what you hope to accomplish. Will you be training in competition bull’s-eye, personal protection, long-range rifle or black powder? Are you trying out a new cartridge load or just practicing the fundamentals of shooting? Are you going on a hunt? Do you need to bring a timer, shooting mat, knee and elbow pads, chronograph or spotting scope? Don’t forget your IWB (inside the waistband) or OWB (outside the waistband) holster. Will you be shooting just practice ammo, or do you need to bring some personal protection ammo as well? What color of lenses on your shooting glasses should you use for the weather conditions? Don’t forget your hearing protection. Does your range provide a shooting table, bench, a target base and backer? If you’re not shooting at a range, do you have a portable table, bench, target base and backer? What targets are you going to use? Don’t forget your brass bag if you want your cases back. Many times, people have shown up at the range with everything except a gun. What are the weather conditions? Shooting black powder on a windy day is counterintuitive.

Keep it Sweet—Be Prepared

When you shoot at the range and you’re concentrating on personal protection, select one type of concealed carry method at a time. Perhaps you’re carrying an OWB Fobus SP-11 Paddle Holster for your Springfield XD and you need to work on the proficiency of quickly drawing it from under clothing. In dressing for practice, choose clothing to simulate what needs to be practiced. Bring a jacket or shirt to wear over the holster so you can practice sweeping it aside to reach the pistol in the holster. You don’t need to worry about a belt as this holster does not require it. Have your pistol, ammo, magazines, magazine loader, brass bag and holster in your range bag. If you have multiple magazines, have them pre-loaded so that you’re ready to start shooting immediately. If you’re concerned about the speed at which you draw and present the pistol, then of course consider including a timer. If you have grip issues, bring a handy racker to help you manipulate the slide in the event of a malfunction. Perhaps a cleaning rod should be available in the event you have a squib load. Don’t shoot a lot of ammo, because after a certain time, you’re wasting it. If your objective is to reset your mind to the fundamentals of pistol shooting and increase your speed in presenting the pistol and hitting your target, this can be accomplished with 50 rounds of practice ammo and 10 rounds of personal protection ammo. Warm up with a plain piece of 8 ½ x 11 paper, switch to a situational target for mental concentration and hit placement. Vary the distance from 3 yards to 7 yards. This should take you no more than 1 hour.

Bull’s-eye is a great training opportunity to perfect sight alignment/trigger control and breath control. Just remember, that shooting is done one-handed. Choose something like a Browning Buck Mark Bull’s-eye pistol, .22 ammo and a couple magazines. A carpet mat is useful to protect the pistol and/or the table you’re using. Consider bringing binoculars (bull’s-eye is shot at 25 yards and 50 yards) and bull’s-eye targets. Have a pencil and paper in order to document your score to see if you’re progressing. Since bull’s-eye requires intense concentration on sight alignment, consider bringing a set of reading glasses to enhance the front sight. Also, bringing a timer will help count the 10 minutes, 20 seconds and 10 seconds used in competition. The standard bull’s-eye target is used. If you’re not at a range, bring a portable table, target stand and backer. Generally, you’ll find you’ve had enough in 1 to 2 hours.

In rifle shooting, slightly different equipment is required. For this you need to remember to bring a shooting mat, rifle rests, spotting scope and ear protection acceptable in rifle shooting (earplugs). If shooting in different positions, you’d best bring knee pads and elbow pads. Have your rifle already pre-set to your length of pull (LOP), the stock’s comb height and stock angle. If they aren’t, then you’ll be taking extra time to properly fit the rifle to your body. A .223 M4 has an adjustable stock which is easy to set to your LOP. An EOtech scope already mounted makes finding your mark quick and easy. Remember to bring new batteries for the EOtech. Once more, pre-loaded magazines will have you ready to shoot when set-up is complete. Consider wearing a rifle shooting shirt with padding on your shooting shoulder to help cushion the recoil. If bench rest is one of the positions you need to practice, then bring a portable table, bench, target stand and backer if you’re not at a shooting range that provides these. The longest period will be spent moving target backers and stands from 100 yards and beyond. Shooting time will vary, but you’ll probably be done in 2 to 3 hours.

Black powder is a sport where training by yourself is a good idea. There are steps which you must take to reach the point of firing your pistol or rifle without any interruption causing you to wonder, “Where was I?” in the step process. I believe this has happened on more than one occasion where you may have to remove the powder you just inserted, because you forgot if you did it or not. This is also the occasion where the shooter may insert another ball, unaware that he or she had already performed that step. When shooting black powder, place your equipment in a pattern on the shooting table whereby you can tag where you’re at in the event you’re interrupted. Make sure you have your powder flask already pre-filled, so you’re not wasting powder if the wind should pick up. Most times, your wads and .50 balls can be prepared in a holder which makes it easy to tap into the mouth of the barrel. Like powder, cloth wads have a tendency to drift off the table if not contained. After you’re done with your range rod, place it somewhere whereby it signifies to you that you’re loaded and ready to shoot. Black powder shooting is a lot of fun, and you can spend multiple hours enjoying sending a lot of lead balls down range. Generally, 2 to 3 hours will accomplish what you’ve intended.

Keep It to the Point—Accomplish Your Goal

            The purpose of shooting alone is to concentrate on what needs to be accomplished and to complete it with little interruption. Considering time constraints, it’s understandable that some shooters choose to shoot alone and not with a group. Some people practicing for national or international competitions need intense concentration and therefore choose a specific day and time of the week to practice when no one else is around. Others may be getting ready for a hunt and have limited time to sight in their scopes. They need to be able to move their targets from 100 to 300 feet when necessary and not when everybody else is ready. You can’t suddenly call the line safe whenever you want and expect everyone on the line to agree.

This is indeed an expensive hobby if you permit yourself the distraction by others. I’m not discounting the enjoyment of training with others, but I’m concerned with the potential lack of direction. We’re all busy people, and free time is minimal to many. Keep it short, sweet and to the point, and you’ll find the time satisfying, successful and within your budget.

For more on training, see ladiesdayllc.com.

In January 2020, Elbit Systems announced that its subsidiary, IMI Systems was selected by the Finnish Ministry of Defence (Finnish MOD), following a competitive testing by the Finish Defence Forces (FDF), to provide the Finnish Army with the M339, a NATO-compliant, 120mm High Explosive Multipurpose ammunition and Data Setting Units for its Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

Suitable for all NATO 120mm smooth bore gun MBTs, the M339 is a high-accuracy, multipurpose 120mm tank ammunition that complies with NATO STANAG requirements. The FDF selected the M339 to improve the fire power and ability of the battle tanks to engage different types of targets.

imisystems.com

ELBIT SYSTEMS AWARDED INITIAL $31M CONTRACT FOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Elbit Systems announced on January 7, 2020, that it was awarded an initial contract from the Production and Procurement Directorate of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) valued at approximately $31 million to provide Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Eitan Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The contract will be performed over a 5-year period.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the IDF’s new wheeled AFVs with the Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) Systems. The Iron Fist System uses optical sensors, tracking radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance. The Iron Fist System provides 360-degree protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environment. The systems’ high-performance, versatility and negligible residual penetration, as well as its low size and weight and ease of integration, position the Iron Fist as an optimal APS for any fighting vehicle.

elbitsystems.com

TURKISH ARMED FORCES ADDS ARMED DRONE SYSTEM

SONGAR™, the first national armed drone system to be developed by ASİSGUARD^TM, has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) after the successful completion of acceptance tests. Equipped with advanced features, SONGAR will undertake critical tasks in operations conducted by both TAF and the security forces.

Equipped with an automatic machine gun, SONGAR can carry out operations within a 3km radius. The system can transfer images in real time and carry 200 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The drone features a specially designed, flexible ammunition feed chute (ammunition belt) and an automatic firing mechanism and can operate at altitudes of 2,800m.

Ayhan Sunar, General Manager at ASİSGUARD, underlined that the SONGAR system is currently unique, saying: “As one of the most prominent drone systems in our product family, SONGAR can undertake many critical tasks, including locating the target area, eliminating the threat, transferring real-time images and carrying out post-operation damage assessment. It stands out as one of the leading national capabilities in asymmetric warfare as a result of its firing accuracy.”

SONGAR has achieved further success in field tests after the integration of a grenade launcher in place of the machine gun, and its firing precision has been significantly improved with the inclusion of an “Electronic Sight and Ballistic Calculation Module,” specially designed by ASİSGUARD. National and international patent applications have been made for SONGAR’s unique stabilisation system.

ASİSGUARD develops systems, subsystems, hardware and software in for military land vehicle electronics; autonomous micro-, mini- and medium-class UAVs; electro-optics; border security; artificial intelligence; and big data.

asisguard.com

QUANTICO TACTICAL ANNOUNCES TLS CONTRACT AWARD

On March 9, 2020, Quantico Tactical announced the award of TLS (Tailored Logistics Support) contract SPE8EJ-19-D-0015. This is an indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity with a firm fixed price of $4,000,000,000 for use through March 6, 2021. This contract allows for special operation equipment to be purchased and delivered to our nation’s military and federal agencies.

Quantico Tactical is a leading supplier of special operations equipment to the U.S. government, DoD and federal law enforcement agencies. This contract expedites the purchase and fielding of necessary equipment for our warfighters. Quantico Tactical has partnered with over a thousand of manufacturers to fulfill this need.

“We have been consistently ranked as the best customer service and highest on-time deliveries of all contractors within the TLS contract. In fact, we are the only current DLA TLS contract awardee to hold DLA’s highest award for operational excellence,” said David Hensley, president of Quantico Tactical. “We will continue to provide the best products, with world class service to our warfighters and federal agents.”

As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global supply chain, from raw materials to end user to disposition, for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, 11 combatant commands, other federal agencies and partner and allied nations.

quanticotactical.com

Thales Australia gained useful experience in upgrading service rifles to the F88SA2 model, and it was later contracted in December 2011 to design a new 5.56mm assault rifle for the ADF. This project came under the auspices of Land 125 Phase 3C, and Thales had to meet demanding user requirements. Essentially, it was competing against itself to produce a rifle that met strict specifications and was cost-effective. Among the requirements were weight reduction, the ability to install more accessories and the possession of better balance by moving the center of gravity rearwards.

The Human Factors Team of the then Defense Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) first trialed the new EF88 with a group of 10 soldiers in December 2012, and this resulted in minor adjustments to the design. The new weapon was to become known as the “EF88,” with the E denoting “Enhanced.” For the export market, Thales Australia refers to it as the “F90.”

After extensive development work and close collaboration with the ADF and other defense agencies, the company concluded a critical AUD 100 million (USD 73.6 million in 2015) deal with the ADF in July 2015, this covering the production of 30,000 EF88 rifles and 2,500 SL40 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers.

At the time of the award, Kevin Wall, Thales Australia’s armaments vice president, said, “Our soldiers deserve the best possible equipment, and the F90 delivers on all counts. Enhancing the Austeyr is the most cost-effective way to deliver a capability upgrade, and we’ve worked closely with defense and Army units to design, test and manufacture this world-class weapon. We’re now looking forward to getting it into troops’ hands as quickly as possible.”

The EF88 is very much a product of psychology, too. Although the F88 was improved throughout its lifecycle, each iteration looked the same, and that meant its reputation and the perception of its flaws lingered. By making the EF88 look distinctly different, there would be no mistaking its new lineage.

The EF88 is manufactured at Thales Australia’s facility in Lithgow, New South Wales. Production levels peaked at around 40 rifles per day, and it requires a total of 5.9 hours to build a single rifle. This compares very favorably with the 11 hours once needed to make an F88 rifle. The company reported to Small Arms Defense Journal that, by February 2020, just 4,000 rifles of the original 30,000 on order remained to be delivered.

Ins and Outs of the EF88/F90

Initially, there were teething problems such as breakages relating to the polymer material used on the weapon and ejection port covers coming off. The EF88 had a supposedly improved gas plug but, according to sources spoken to by the author, there is considerable criticism from soldiers about the signature coming off this gas plug.

One expensive problem to rectify, not relating at all to the performance of the EF88, was that the new rifle did not fit existing mounting brackets in ADF vehicles. It cost AUD 5 million alone to modify these brackets.

The first unit to receive the new rifles were members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) based in Townsville, these were handed over in June 2015. Thales Australia had commenced low-rate initial production in September 2014 to reduce risk and smooth the transition from existing F88 manufacturing. Broader rollout to the Australian Army commenced in 2016, with successive recipients being soldiers of the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade, then the 7th Brigade in Brisbane and finally the 1st Brigade split between Darwin and Adelaide.

Thales says the EF88, which weighs 3.25kg and is therefore around 500g lighter than the F88, is more accurate, reliable and robust than its predecessor. New materials that are half the weight but twice as strong as aluminum have been introduced. Certainly, it is more modular and ergonomic, and it is one of the lightest assault rifles available.

The change in center of gravity towards the rear is a key one, since it improves the speed of engagement for users. This resultantly increases the first-round probability of a hit.

Illustrating its modularity, the EF88 has several Picatinny rails fully integrated to reduce weight. The top rail was extended compared to the F88SA2, so a day sight, in-line sight, thermal imager or even a grenade launcher sight can be attached. The right-hand rail can mount a laser so that it does not snag on the sling. Another rail is under the barrel to which a grenade launcher, grip or bipod can be affixed. One o’clock offset rails can also be fitted.

Initially, it was conceived that only regular infantry units would be equipped with the weapon, but such was the success of the design that it was rolled out to every soldier regardless of their specialty. The EF88 is issued to Australian troops in two versions: a standard bullpup rifle with a 20-inch (508mm) barrel and a carbine with a 16-inch (407mm) barrel.

The Australian Army divides its soldiers into Tier 1 combatants who perform niche tasks (e.g., tank crews), Tier 2 dismounted troops who conduct dismounted close combat, Tier 2 mounted soldiers who crew armored fighting vehicles and Tier 3 combatants who provide general support to combined-arms teams.

The ADF introduced the EF88 according to the above tiers, with the difference being barrel lengths and accessories such as sights and bipods. As already indicated, as part of Project Land 125 Phase 3C a range of accessories were procured. These were all carefully tested to ensure the EF88 represented an integral system, a process in which Thales was thoroughly involved.

The standard sight for all soldier tiers is Elcan’s SpecterDR, an enhanced dual-range day sight with 1-4x magnification. One clear positive aspect of this sight is that users can see and hit targets at far greater ranges than before, even at 600m.

Weapons can be fitted with a Grip Pod Systems GPS.02-CL forward grip with bipod or a Harris N325-BRM bipod. The standard image intensifier sight is Qioptiq’s KITE IN-LINE, an in-line system for which the ADF specified white phosphorous tubes.

There are four slightly different weapon variants for Tier 2 dismounted troops (i.e., regular infantry): commander, marksman, rifleman and grenadier (the latter has a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher). Their weapons can be fitted with an InForce WMLx visual illumination device on a Daniel Defense 1 o’clock offset rail. Meanwhile, the standard laser on the right-hand rail is L3 Insight EOTech’s AN/PEQ-16.

As one would expect, Tier 2 mounted troops who usually crew vehicles use the shorter-barreled 407mm carbine with a Knight’s Armament basic forward grip. Tier 3 soldiers have two rifle variants available: the standard 508mm-barreled rifle and the grenadier type with 40mm grenade launcher. Selected Tier 2 dismounted troops received an Elbit Systems XACT th65 clip-on thermal imager system, these devices being assigned to dedicated marksmen.

The aforementioned Steyr Mannlicher SL40 (or F91) that weighs 1,025g is a fully integrated 40mm grenade launcher attachment. This combines with a Thales F1 quadrant sight that can be used at night and is compatible with night vision goggles. The launcher can be fitted to the rifle in just 15 seconds. The double-action grenade launcher is side opening, which allows more types of rounds to be fired. It can be fitted and removed by individual soldiers without resorting to the services of an armorer.

The EF88’s six-fluted 5.56mm barrel is lighter than the F88’s, and the mount was fixed to enhance accuracy after the requirement for a quick-change barrel was dropped. As on the M4, the bolt release catch was relocated to permit faster magazine changes and allow the shooter to keep his eyes on target. The folding cocking handle is less likely to break too, and the cocking action is now silent. Furthermore, the hammer pack is more reliable. Also altered was the butt group to reduce the length of pull and therefore more comfortably accommodate body armor being worn by the shooter.

Color, Suppressors and Sovereignty

Earlier on in its development, the EF88 was finished in two colors as was the F88SA2, with a tan-colored upper and khaki green-colored bottom. Why then did the new rifle end up black? According to a 2019 report titled, “Sticking to Our Guns: A Troubled Past Produces a Superb Weapon,” written by Chris Masters and published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), it was Australia’s then Chief of Army and a couple of senior generals who unilaterally decided black was the best color for the new weapon.

Their decision took many by surprise, because few elements in the natural environment are black, so this color offers less camouflage in combat. Furthermore, the dark-colored rifle had no harmony with the ADF’s new Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) that was being introduced at much the same time.

Masters in his report related that something seemingly as innocuous as a color change necessitated months of extra work. This was because testing had to be redone to prove that changes in the polymer’s color did not affect the hardness of the material throughout its lifecycle.

The reason for adopting black was never explained by the ADF. However, the ASPI report commented: “Black is severe, but also sexy. Special Forces counterterrorism operatives, bedecked in black, carry black weapons … Soldiers, particularly the younger ones, are as much creatures of fashion as anyone, so to give them a weapon with a cool, industrial design and sex appeal was following a useful rationale—even if the result was a victory of style over substance.”

The ADF originally forbade soldiers from camouflaging their black rifles, but this order was soon rescinded when soldiers discovered how starkly they stood out in the field, and individuals started implementing their own personal camouflage schemes on their personal weapons.

Combat experience in Afghanistan had taught that the typical hostile engagement occurred at ranges of 30m to 200m. There was thus an effort to instill close-quarters battle skills (the type that Special Forces are highly proficient in) among regular Australian infantrymen to increase their shooting speed and accuracy.

Of course, such a training focus requires offhanded shooting, something not possible with the F88 and not a requirement when the EF88’s specifications were drawn up. The Australian Army sought to resolve this issue of ambidextrous shooting—to prevent spent cases hitting the face—with a new case deflector. After being commissioned to come up with a solution, Thales tested a first deflector prototype in 2017. Though that one did not meet requirements, an appropriate deflector eventually became available; this one sending cases forward rather than backwards.

Special Forces also recognize the value of a suppressor to reduce sound and flash and, thus, conceal their position. Therefore a suppressor was chosen for the EF88 too, and an initial total of 1,000 suppressors were acquired from Oceania Defence in New Zealand. These titanium suppressors are made by 3D printing, but fitting a suppressor meant the removal of a barrel lug and the possibility of attaching a bayonet. However, Thales has so far not been able to get the sound pressure level of any suppressor below 140dB owing to the design of the EF88’s operating system.

Thales Australia has also developed adaptors for Simunition® training ammunition, plus it has created a stand-alone stock for the SL40 40mm grenade launcher. That means the launcher no longer has to be attached to the weapon to be fired.

One final factor worthy of mention is that the EF88 represents a sovereign design capability and greater self-reliance for Australia. Indigenous production also provides local employment, which is something politicians like to trumpet.

For the export market, Thales Australia is offering the F90MBR (Modular Bullpup Rifle), currently available with three barrel lengths: 360mm, 407mm and 508mm. The F90MBR is mechanically the same as the EF88, but it has a modified stock. It also possesses a NATO-standard magazine and ambidextrous features, including a magazine release catch forward of the pistol grip. The shortest barrel length of 360mm turns the weapon almost into the category of a submachine gun.

As the original manufacturer, Thales Australia is actively exploring export opportunities for the F90. Certainly, the greatest opportunities are in India. Thales had originally announced a tie-up with Indian firm MKU in early 2018, but more recently it transferred allegiance to Bharat Forge to market the F90 to the Indian Army.

Thales had already offered a shorter, customized 13.5-inch barrel for an Indian competition for 94,000 close-quarters battle carbines. Although this tender closed nearly 2 years ago and a different contender was selected, no contract was ever awarded. Thales therefore expects to compete in a potential rerun of this competition. A second phase of the project would see 350,000 rifles made within India. At the time of writing, Thales Australia was about to execute a license transfer with Bharat Forge to meet this local production requirement.

A Thales spokesman told SADJ that his company was hopeful of its first F90 exports either this year or in 2021, with “lots of interest” being expressed internationally from potential clients.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Thales Australia plus various soldiers of the Australian Army for their assistance in preparing this article.

CloudLine™ System

Team Wendy^® announced the immediate availability of the CloudLine™ System, a new drop-in helmet liner designed for exceptional comfort while upholding the safety standards operators have come to expect from the brand. The liner, named CloudLine™ for its unique comfort grade, features the softest Team Wendy-patented Zorbium^® foam to date, used in strategically placed hexagon-shaped comfort pads designed to prevent hot spots while maintaining protection. CloudLine is designed to fit a broader range of helmets, including those used throughout Special Operations communities. CloudLine exceeds ACH blunt-impact requirements (AR/PD 10-02) and is compatible with nearly all standard ground-combat helmets, though some models may also require a CAM FIT™ Retention System retrofit in order for the CloudLine System to fit properly.

TeamWendy.com

OTIS

Reality-Based Training Cleaning Kit
Otis announced the launch of a Reality-Based Training Kit, specifically for the law enforcement and military markets. This kit includes all the necessary tools to keep your training in session and is available in 9mm and .223 caliber/5.56mm variations. These kits are for firearms that are converted to use paint marker training ammunition. Training in real-life simulated scenarios is incredibly important and so is maintaining training guns. A portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

otistec.com

MISSION FIRST TACTICAL

Extreme Duty Window Magazine

Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™) is proud to introduce the latest addition to the MFT magazine line, the Extreme Duty Window Magazine, designed for the AR-15/M4 but allowing use with a wide range of non-AR-15/M4 platforms. Utilizing new material technology and manufacturing processes for enhanced strength, durability and reliability, the Extreme Duty Window Magazine has durable dual-side, anti-glare transparent windows, numerical markers and high-visibility indicator coil on the spring allowing for quick visual identification of the approximate number of rounds remaining. Additionally, the Extreme Duty Window Magazines offer increased durability through a more efficient energy transfer between the polymer and the longer fiber filaments during an impact. The long-life USGI-Spec stainless steel spring is corrosion-resistant. The four-way, anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower keeps the rounds aligned and makes mag feeding consistent and reliable, while virtually eliminating jams. An oversized bolt-catch provides enhanced reliability of the bolt catch operation. The flared floor plate allows for an easier grip in handling, extraction, and one-hand reloads.

missionfirsttactical.com

MAXIM DEFENSE

MDX and MD:15 Series

Maxim Defense unveiled its MDX and MD:15 line of firearms along with Maxim Defense Ammunition SBA (short barrel ammunition) at SHOT Show 2020. The MDX Weapon System was developed to fulfill the broad spectrum of needs by today’s military and law enforcement operations. The family consists of the PDX/MDX:505 (5.5-inch barrel), the MDX:508 (8.5-inch barrel) and the MDX:510 (10.3-inch barrel).

maximdefense.com

STEINEL AMMUNITION

6.5 x 52mm Carcano

The 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge has been around since 1891 and was only phased out of military service in the 1970s. Carcano rifles were strong actions, and most used gain-twist rifling to extend barrel life and improve accuracy. Heavy for the caliber projectiles, it retained useful energy levels despite the round nose form. The original lead core bullets had poor terminal performance, so later designs filled the bullet nose with less dense aluminum to promote tumbling on impact. Fortunately, an excellent target load is now available from Steinel Ammunition. The new cartridges use soft point expanding bullets that provide excellent terminal effect and accuracy while promoting reliable feeding. Loaded to 1,770 fps (from 17.5-inch barrels), this load offers a significantly lighter recoil than the original, while retaining good terminal performance at distances reasonable with iron sights. This ammunition is non-corrosive and made to much higher quality and more consistent specifications than either military surplus or other commercial loadings.

steinelammo.com

MID-EVIL INDUSTRIES

360° VFG QD Tripod

The 360° VFG QD Tripod is the next evolution in quick-detach accessories. This quick-detach mini tripod (can also be used as a bipod) is compatible with and exclusive to the 2nd Generation 360-degree VFG (Vertical Fore Grip). The adjustment possibilities are almost infinite. The smooth 360-degree rotation and full-tilt function allow you to acquire targets quickly for an accurate shot every time.

The Quick Detach Tripod has a single hand-operated lock and unlock mechanism. There’s no button, no twisting—just a simple slide down to release and slide up to lock. It can be set to three different angles (20°, 50° and 78°). Just push, click and lock. It is constructed of aluminum, has extreme temperature resistance, and is sturdy, long-lasting and lightweight with a high quality finish. Patent pending.

mid-evil.com

TASMANIAN TIGER

TT First Responder Move On MKII Pack

The customizable TT First Responder Move On MKII consists of a large main backpack that has a removable front smaller backpack zipped to the front of it that can also be used on its own. You get two packs in one. It has a Padded Back Carrying System with laser cut MOLLE on the front and sides. Inside, there is MOLLE hook-and-loop on the interior walls for customizing the configuration, and there are internal fixation points for medical equipment. It includes three removable transparent pouches, detachable panels with elastic loops and a rain cover. Made with CORDURA 700d fabric and YKK zippers, it is designed to be durable, versatile and reliable. All of Tasmanian Tiger’s products are made to endure the toughest environments.

tasmaniantigerusa.com

When ARES Defense Systems first came up with the Shrike belt-fed AR-15 upper, the so-called Assault Weapons Ban was still in effect. Shrike took years to develop, but it filled big shoes: capable of box and belt feed, possessed of a quick-change barrel and compatible with registered select-fire lowers. It was the closest that most of Americans could come to a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in private hands. Six generations later, the ARES Shrike upper is now the FightLite MCR. Unlike the long-delayed original, the MCR is available anytime you want one. Positioned as a SAW substitute, much like the Ultimax 100, the MCR has found military adopters in Africa and Asia, in addition to being quite popular with U.S. shooters.

MCR is a closed-bolt design available with a wide variety of quick-change barrels, in 5.56mm and .300 Blackout in lengths from 12.5 inches to 20 inches. A barrel swap can be done in three seconds without an asbestos glove, thanks to insulated handles. The MCR feeds from M27 disintegrating link belts, same as an M249, but it also works reliably from STANAG box magazines. An adapter to hold soft- or hard-sized belt carriers fits into the mag well, permitting the use of 100 or 200 round belts on the move. A short-stroke gas piston with an adjustable regulator allows both suppressed use without over-gassing and emergency hard use for high-volume firing in dirty environments.

Although the MCR is capable of considerable mechanical precision, it’s not a match rifle due to the optic and iron sights placement on top of the feed tray cover. For shooters who want better than 2 MOA and don’t require quite the volume of fire, FightLite now offers conventional AR uppers in 5.56mm and .300 Blackout. With the same high-grade barrel and excellent trigger, those carbines shoot MOA or better out of the box. In general, the high quality of manufacturing and well thought-out industrial design are the calling cards of FightLite.

The SCR

With so many states on the banning binge, FightLite also offers a “featureless” SCR carbine. Also available with a wide variety of barrel lengths and profiles, as well as with wooden, polymer and railed forends, the direct impingement SCR looks like a conventionally stocked hunting rifle. It uses all standard AR magazines. Unlike an AR, SCR carbines use an angled recoil spring guide outwardly reminiscent of Benelli action. Accurate and soft-recoiling, the SCR also went through several generations of refinements, ending up with an excellent trigger and stellar ergonomics. Far from merely being a legal AR-15 substitute for restrictive jurisdictions, the SCR has certain advantages: With the grip being in line with the bore line, it points more naturally than the pistol grip designs. The SCR is also available as a handgun, putting a 7.25-inch barrel into the form of an 18th century dragoon pistol—it looks odd but balances well and makes for very natural pointing. FightLite offers low-profile iron sights just for the 5.56mm/.300 pistol configuration.

The MXR

With surplus rifle ammunition drying up, and more and more people dependent on indoor ranges with pistol-rated backstops, the pistol-caliber carbines have gained popularity. The FightLite MXR system can be configured as a pistol, as a carbine or as a submachine gun. Using a modular barrel retention system, the MXR allows changing barrel lengths and calibers without tools. Going from 9mm to .45ACP to 10mm to 5.7x28mm takes only a few minutes. Blowback operation with varying weight buffers and some bolt overtravel makes for low recoil and smooth action. The MXR has right-handed ejection only, but the reciprocating charging handle is easily reversed. The fire control group is AR-15 style, and magazines, other than 5.7x28mm, are GLOCK-compatible.

Sound Design

All this wide variety of guns comes from the mind of Geoffrey Herring. I’ve asked many technical questions, always getting detailed and logical explanations for why certain features have been added or omitted, or why specific approaches to engineering were employed. The design work and much of the manufacturing are done in-house at the Melbourne, Florida, plant. Given Geoffrey’s background in aviation, a field where small errors can have drastic consequences, it’s no surprise that the QC and testing practices are impressively thorough. Those, along with the sound conceptual basics, explain why the FightLite firearms I’ve used at high-volume range events have all worked consistently and reliably, with excellent accuracy. Incremental development and close attention to detail have really set FightLite apart from the manufacturers of old public domain AR design.

Finally, on January 23, 2020, the most recent effort to reform the U.S. Munitions List was published in the Federal Register, with an effective date of March 9, 2020. On the day of publication, 21 states filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court to delay or prohibit the new regulations from taking place over concerns that 3D-printed firearms would not be subject to sufficient export controls.

On Friday, March 6, 2020, a federal judge in Seattle, WA, agreed with the Trump Administration to allow most of the regulations to take effect on March 9, 2020. The court issued a very narrow injunction against the section of the regulation governing the export of technical data related to 3D-printed firearms.

Transfer of Jurisdiction

Prior to March 9, 2020, the U.S. State Department held jurisdiction over most small arms and ammunition, with the exception of shotguns and shotgun ammunition, which were governed by the U.S. Commerce Department. Under the new regulations, nearly all common sporting firearms, to include single-shot, bolt-action and semiautomatic firearms will transfer from State Department jurisdiction to Commerce Department jurisdiction.

At this juncture, it’s probably easier to state what remains in U.S. Munitions List Category I (under State Department jurisdiction):

(a) Firearms using caseless ammunition.

(b) Fully automatic firearms to .50 caliber (12.7mm) inclusive.

(c) Firearms specially designed to integrate fire control, automatic tracking or automatic firing (e.g., precision guided firearms). Note 1 to paragraph (c): Integration does not include only attaching to the firearm or rail.

(d) Fully automatic shotguns regardless of gauge.

(e) Silencers, mufflers and sound suppressors.

(f) [Reserved.]

(g) Barrels, receivers (frames), bolts, bolt carriers, slides or sears specially designed for the articles in paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of this category.

(h) Parts, components, accessories and attachments, as follows:

(1) Drum and other magazines for firearms to .50 caliber (12.7mm) inclusive with a capacity greater than 50 rounds, regardless of jurisdiction of the firearm, and specially designed parts and components therefor;

(2) Parts and components specially designed for conversion of a semiautomatic firearm to a fully automatic firearm.

(3) Parts and components specially designed for defense articles described in paragraphs (c) and (e) of this category; or

(4) Accessories or attachments specially designed to automatically stabilize aim (other than gun rests) or for automatic targeting and specially designed parts and components therefor.

(i) Technical data (see §120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (see §120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles described in this category and classified technical data directly related to items controlled in ECCNs (Export Control Classification Numbers) 0A501, 0B501, 0D501 and 0E501 and defense services using the classified technical data. (See §125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.)

New ECCNs

Most small arms that were once in USML Category I will be moved to 13 new Commerce ECCN categories in the 0X5zz range. In addition, four new “600” series ECCN classifications will be created. The 17 new ECCNs created are:

0A501 – Firearms and Related Commodities: This ECCN governs most firearms (non-automatic, non-semiautomatic and semiautomatic, up to and including .50 caliber), magazines (with a capacity greater than 16 rounds, but less than 50 rounds), receivers, barrels, cylinders and trunnions.

0A502 – Shotguns and Related Commodities: This ECCN governs all non-automatic shotguns, to include those with barrels shorter than 18 inches in length and shotguns with barrels exceeding 18 inches. It also includes controls on parts and components previously listed in ECCN 0A984, the ECCN that previously controlled shotguns and their parts.

0A503 – Discharge Type Arms: This ECCN governs less lethal projectiles and grenades. It is a direct replacement of ECCN 0A985. The new regulation makes clear that such projectiles are classified in that ECCN 0A503 and not classified under ECCN 0A602 or on the USML.

0A504 – Optical Sighting Devices: Previously regulated under ECCN 0A987, the new ECCN no longer differentiates between ITAR-controlled optics previously controlled under USML Category I(f). Export restrictions on most optics are eased or lifted, with limited controls in place for those “specially designed” for use in firearms that are “subject to the ITAR.”

0A505 – Ammunition: This new ECCN governs most ammunition for small arms (up to .50 caliber), blank ammunition, shotgun ammunition up to 10-gauge and the related parts and components. Caseless ammunition, tracer ammunition, ammunition utilizing depleted uranium and ammunition of any caliber preassembled into links or belts (and thus, presumably for use within an automatic weapon) remain controlled by the ITAR under USML Category III.

0A602 – Guns and Armament: This ECCN controls guns and armament (and their parts) manufactured between 1890 and 1919, as well as military flame throwers with an effective range less than 20m. Export restrictions on these commodities are eased, as they do not provide significant military advantage. Modern artillery remains subject to the ITAR under USML Category II. Black powder guns and armament manufactured in and prior to 1890 (and their replicas) have been designated as EAR99.

0B501 – Test, Inspection and Production Equipment for Firearms

0B505 – Test, Inspection and Production Equipment for Ammunition

0B602 – Test, Inspection and Production Equipment for Guns and Armament: These three 0Byyy ECCNs cover “test, inspection and production” equipment for the development or production of firearms, ammunition and (antique) guns. It also extends controls over jigs, fixtures and other metal working implements and accessories designed to be used in the manufacture of firearms, ammunition, ordnance or guns.

0D501 – Software for Firearms

0D505 – Software for Ammunition

0D602 – Software for Guns and Armaments: These three 0Eyyy ECCNs govern software specially designed for the development, operation or maintenance of their respective subject matter categories.

0E501 – Technology for Firearms

0E502 – Technology for Shotguns

0E504 – Technology for Sighting Devices

0E505 – Technology for Ammunition

0E602 – Technology for Guns and Armament: These five 0Eyyy ECCNs govern the export of technical data for their respective subject matter categories. Given the current state of litigation over 0E501 and the issuance of an injunction by the courts, it is possible that the language within 0E501 will change or be modified within coming months.

Removed ECCNs

The following nine ECCNs will be removed, as they have been incorporated into the newly created 0X5yy ECCN categories:

0A918 and 0E984 – Removes the controls over technology for the development, production and/or use of bayonets.

0A984 and 0E984 – Controls over shotguns have been modified and are now controlled under 0A502 or 0A505.

0A985 – Controls over electro-shock weapons have been modified and incorporated into ECCN 0A503.

0A986 and 0E986 – Controls over shotguns shells, equipment to load ammunition and related technology have been modified and incorporated into ECCNs 0A505, 0E502 and/or 0E505.

0A987 and 0E987 – Controls over firearm optics and related technology have been modified and incorporated into ECCN 0A504.

While the new regulatory scheme seems overly burdensome, the reality is that the new regulations should assist in making the export of U.S. arms and equipment easier. Admittedly, the new scheme will require new training throughout the industry to include Commerce Department licensing officers, U.S. Customs officials, foreign end users, manufacturers and exporters. As the barriers to arms export fall, one should anticipate a wave of new “international arms dealers,” who believe that they can effectively export arms with little or no industry experience and who believe that they can export with minimal regulatory interference. In reality, strong controls on the export of arms remain in place under the new regulatory scheme, with the same (or greater) penalties in place for conducting an improper export. As general advice, manufacturers and foreign end users should continue working with existing partners who are well-versed in the export of arms and equipment to avoid civil and criminal penalties for export violations. In return (and with the benefit of time), the industry should see increased export sales under the new regulatory scheme.

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. 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.

The term Next Generation can mean a lot of things. I recently wrote an article on U.S. Army Next Generation 40mm Day/Night Thermal training ammunition technology. The results are still “to be determined.” I took a hard look at some Next Generation weapons and ammunition in this article. What happens when Next Generation weapons and ammo collide?

Maxim Defense continues to impress with its Next Generation focus and out-of-the-box thinking. Maxim Defense’s short-barreled rifle (SBR) designs are impressive and enthralling enough to be selected by SOCOM for further evaluations. Its success with the U.S. government has carried over to the commercial market with personal defense weapons (PDWs). Commercially, the weapons also have gained a following in the personal defensive arena and in the concealed weapon subcategory of untold possibilities.

I first got my hands on one of these weapons at the 2019 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC). Ammunition and guns are in surprisingly short supply at SOFIC, as the focus is much more on electronics. I was drawn like a moth to the flame.

The weapons are as visually impressive as they are physically stout and well-engineered. The construction is remarkable; some AR platform weapons feel flimsy. The Maxim rifles remind me of HK weapons. The 18.75-inch weapon overall length is impressive, and the punch packed by these weapons blows pistols out of the water. The 5.5-inch barrel length is also amazing. If you add in the massive increase in accuracy over a pistol and the potential magazine capacity, I imagine that many private security forces are in line to grab these SBRs and re-arm their teams.

What About the Ammo?

Defensive pistol ammunition is numerous and widespread. Defensive rifle ammunition, not so much. All the major ammunition producers have versions of defensive pistol ammunition, and the number of niche producers is also a mile long. Many designs go beyond the typical hollow-point designs. There have been more niche designs going back over the last 40-plus years than I can remember. Who remembers the big left-wing hysteria concerning the Black Talon bullets back in the early 1990s? More recently, G2 Research Ammunitions’ fragmenting solid bullets were a big item and huge YouTube sensation. Maxim Defense knew that the weapons needed special rifle ammunition to pair with these very special rifles. The company could have gone with one of the usual suspect bullets in rifle calibers. Instead, Maxim went a whole new direction. In retrospect, it seems only logical that a Next Generation defensive rifle would have its personalized Next Generation defensive ammunition.

Maxim has a truly innovative rifle ammunition product that works superbly in these SBRs. Specialized weapons need specialized ammunition to fully capitalize on the performance limitations of lower velocities with short barrels. The Maxim Defense team saw that if customers did not use the proper ammunition, the effectiveness of the weapons would be massively diminished. To complete Maxim’s total weapon system, the ammunition needed to be the Next Generation to maximize the performance needs exactly specified and to be available to the customers. There are some potential solutions in the marketplace; however, consistent access to the customer is always difficult with niche products. Just as high-performance engines will barely work on low-octane gas, these SBRs need high octane ammo, and Maxim took charge of the situation.

TUI® Projectiles

Fort Scott Munitions™ (FSM®) and Maxim Defense worked together on a 6.5CM project for the U.S. government. Upon starting this relationship, Maxim Defense approached FSM to build and optimize a full-ammo solution for the SBR in critically short-barrel lengths for the PDX and MDX Weapon Lines. Six separate ammo variants were designed and optimized; FSM is Maxim Defense’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

It was not enough to just take one of the top defensive rifle bullets and load it. Maxim Defense knew that the FSM had developed something special with their Tumble Upon Impact™ (TUI®) projectiles. The TUI projectiles are patented Next Generation technology, just like the Maxim rifles. These TUI projectiles increase the effectiveness of Maxim’s weapon system and accomplish impressive terminal ballistic cavities without substantial fragmentation all the way down to minimal velocities and/or until they become unstable.

The impressive part of the TUI projectiles is that they have a solid tip without any flutes/grooves/slots or other special effects that might impede the successful feeding, firing and cycling out of the weapon. These will hold up and function in extreme environments. They surpass the criteria of both expanding and fragmenting projectiles in ballistic gel. These designs and features are only more critical in rifle calibers. Maxim has successfully achieved a winning combination of weapon and ammunition.

These solid copper projectiles appear to maintain extremely high percentages of their initial weight in the pistol ammunition. Many tests indicate 100% retention through ballistic gels. This ensures greater energy transfer, consistency in performance and devastating wound channels. Monolithic solids are great for not having a jacket to separate from the core, which is also very important in close-combat situations where the fragments can be a hazard to the shooter. The projectile stays together in one piece, causes significant damage and gives more knockdown power. The testing for the rifle ammunition appears to have very similar results to the pistol ammunition.

The short barrel ammunition comes in three calibers and six total varieties:

The projectiles being made out of 100% copper also add a nice element of being lead-free. This is ideal for the close-combat training scenarios in which this product will be used. This also opens up use in lead-restricted ranges and states around the country. All the ammo is Match Grade.

After some R&D, FSM recalled the old 5.56mm M855 round that sometimes accidentally tumbled or keyholed. This failure was a huge problem for the M855. However, a tumbling defensive bullet could offer some impressive performance if done right. What if they could make this happen on purpose and with 100% consistency? This would make for some very effective defensive ammunition. They started working on the concept and came up with two patents.

Considerations

Some elements must be considered: First, it is not a traditional FMJ, and it only tumbles on water-based solutions (i.e., water jugs, ballistic gelatin). If it is fired into a wood 2×4, metal, drywall or vehicle windshield, it will not tumble—period. However, for their key customer and the defensive ammo market, these were acceptable parameters.

The energy released because of the tumble is impressive. This is because of multiple elements. First, the bullets have 100% weight retention. With no loss of mass from fragments shedding, the energy is retained. Second, in ballistic gelatin, the projectile will tumble and then briefly stabilize and stay on its trajectory. Then, it will start to tumble for a bit and then track straight again. FSM noted, “Typically, the projectile will get two to three ‘tumble then brief stabilization’ cycles in a 6x6x16-inch-long ballistic gelatin block.” Impressive.

TUI comes in two different materials. The first is solid brass, and the second is copper. The brass version is called “solid brass spun” or SBS. The copper version is similarly “solid copper spun” or SCS. FSM also has a full line of brass projectiles in pistol calibers (.45, 9mm, .40 S&W, 10mm, .380, .357 SIG) that are only LE/military.

The product is well-designed and versatile. It is not a one-trick pony. Ultimate versatility is an objective FSM strived to achieve with the TUI ammunition. They believe the TUI ammo is a great military or law enforcement round. It checks all the boxes: it goes through the barrier, has great accuracy and has an excellent performance in ballistic gel. However, with the same ammunition, you can also go hunting for coyote and even buffalo. Better yet, it has great long-range utility. An FSM employee recently used his 6.5 Creedmoor, 123-grain, TUI factory-boxed ammunition to take a deer at 100 yards (and dropped him cold), and the same round is capable of a distance of 1.39 miles (2,446.4 yards) to hit a 30-inch target twice on a string of 10 with a factory Ruger Precision Rifle (see YouTube video at Longshot Video). Yes, the TUI projectile is still stable out at that distance, despite tumbling in ballistic gelatin. TUI is the complete package—self-defense, hunting and long-range performance.

A key aspect of the ammunition is that there is no mechanical feature to rely on, nothing to fail. So many of the other high-performance bullets are counting on the consistency of the tooling and keeping a close eye on tooling wear and performance. Of course, this means that the bullets made on fresh tooling are going to perform slightly differently than the last rounds before a tool change. I am aware that some of these performance bullets could require tool change in as little as 5,000 to 10,000 rounds manufactured. This all happens on a multi-station transfer press that is running at 60 parts per minute—no small task.

I queried on what feature of the bullet and the bullet design is critical. The answer is not just one thing. It is everything—the tip, the ogive and the boat tail. It can take strenuous testing and a lot of time to develop a single round. It took 1 year to develop the .300 Blackout 190 subsonic. It is one of the few truly subsonic rounds at +/- 950 to 960 fps. It will also function without a suppressor on the Maxim Defense SBR weapons.

Superior Weapon System

Maxim Defense produces high-quality firearms that enhance their ammo and make it perform well. The quality of FSM’s ammo and the weapons mesh so well, they result in an overall superior weapon system. I suspect that both Maxim Defense and Fort Scott Munitions are going to be long-term players in the market.

So, what happens when Next Generation weapons and ammo collide? Nothing short of awesome.