The 9th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) was sponsored by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence on April 27-30 2009.  The show was held the Tuyap Fair, Convention and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece-İstanbul, Turkey, and had record turnouts.  The attendance was recorded at 42,789 visitors, of which 1,878 were from other countries.  The majority in attendance were Turkish military and procurement, and the foreigners were typically influential buyers and end users from over 96 countries.  There were 464 exhibiting companies from 45 different countries.  This, the 9th IDEF, shows remarkable growth from the already well attended earlier shows.  For example, the 5th IDEF in 2001 had 256 exhibitors from 30 countries, and official delegates were only there from 30 countries compared to the 2009 total of official delegates from 67 countries.  That is a significant growth, and the exhibitors who attend can expect not only to reach the Turkish military market, but many of the shakers and movers in the international scene.  Exhibition space, the “footprint” of the show, also increased by almost 30% from the 2007 show, to 20,000 square meters.

SADJ had a booth set up in a corner of one of the main buildings, and the thousands of magazines that we brought were quickly snapped up by attendees and exhibitors.  This, along with many conversations that we had with attendees, indicated a strong interest in small arms by many, and the flow of influential delegates gave us quality time with many of the people we had wanted to meet with.  That’s high praise for show management for bringing these quality delegates to the show and getting them out onto the floor meeting people.

Istanbul is an exotic city, with millennia of non-stop historical importance.  Centrally located to the crossroads of the Mideast, Asia, and Europe, Istanbul is the ideal location for IDEF.  Visitors to the city can expect to not only do business at IDEF, but to also experience an amazing place.  The Grand Market (Bazaar) has been in continuous operation since the 12th century, with its covered avenues and many shops dating back beyond current memory.  This sprawling city has thousands of places for the attendees to explore, and we recommend planning for several extra days in the area to do so.

IDEF receives our highest marks for a military show that features weapons.  The show was well designed, the attendees flowed through the entire show, management went all-out to ensure that the exhibitors had their needs filled, and the attendees were the targeted group.  Almost everyone we talked with was planning on setting up and attending at the 2011 edition of IDEF.

Aimpoint’s Comp M4 is a well established sighting tool in the world’s military and LE kit, providing up to 8 years of function off of one AA battery.

MKE from Turkey is claiming production of the MK19 40x53mm high velocity grenade machine gun, and had this example on the display. There were no contracts discussed, and this appeared to be an R&D program.

MKE’s 107mm multiple rocket launching system has 12 reloadable tubes and weighs 435kg unloaded. The system is able to be broken down to man-portable sections. (www.mkek.gov.tr)

Inside the HY1-12 120mm mortar tube, showing the 40 grooves characteristic of this model.

Left to right: TLS 40 Target Acquisition Binoculars combines a long-range laser rangefinder, observation binoculars, GPS, digital compass, digital camera and digital voice recorder, integrated into a compact and lightweight package; (Center) The Nestor delivers numerous functions for day and night target locating and transmission of their exact positions to other personnel. This state-of-the-art system utilizes GPS to determine its own position. A digital magnetic compass enables the user to determine the direction to the target as well as the angle of elevation. Based on OPO (Optical Parametric Oscillator) technology, the integrated eye-safe laser rangefinder module determines the exact range to the target during all-weather, day or night conditions; and the Spotter 60 observation scope - three key features make this 20–60 x 72 spotting scope the ideal instrument for the observation and identification of objects, as well as target hit monitoring: high magnification (20x to 60x); a 72 mm lens and a Mil Dot reticle with continuously adjustable illumination whose size changes relative to the magnification level. (www.zeiss.com/optronics)

The Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station has over 3,500 units in service at present. Shown is the M151 small and medium caliber system, with M2HB .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) machine gun mounted. It could just as easily have been a 40x53mm MK19 or equivalent, or 7.62mm platform like the M240. The Day/Night, Thermal optoelectronics allow for the operator to sit in relative security inside the vehicle and utilize the Detached Line of Sight (DLOS) capability to operate from an unexposed environment. The Protector is becoming a service standard in many countries. (www.kongsberg.com)

Raytheon was exhibiting their Stinger Missile, the Wireless TOW Missile, and the Javelin Close Combat Anti-Armor Weapon System. The Javelin provides a lightweight, portable, individual/team operated anti-armor/bunker capability out to 2,500 meters. The tandem shaped charge utilizes a double stacked charge system with a smaller precursor charge to the front for defeating reactive armor, the second, larger charge then penetrates the armor. (www.raytheon.com)

The approximately 60 divisions of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories were well represented at IDEF 2009. For small arms, the POF product line included their versions of the HK family of weapons, with indigenous reworks including new plastic magazines and optical adjustments. The new improved PG-9 round for the SPG-9 73mm was on display as well. (www.pof.gov.pk)

The Defence Aviation and Space Fair (FIDAE) is today one of the most important military events in Latin America, and one of the biggest in the world.  Although the show, as its name implies, initiated as an airshow, it has always been a showplace for all sorts of defence and security systems encompassing air, ground and naval scenarios.  Even from its beginnings, the show made space for all sort of military assets.  This Chilean fair began during the tenure of general Pinochet, and due to the pariah state status applied in those early days to the country, the event attracted odds and ends lacking in other similar events, transforming it into a most colorful and interesting centerpiece.  Pinochet brought about stability and prosperity, transforming the nation to what it is now, a modern, industrious, prosperous and with a well accepted and cemented democracy.  The show has continued to host diverse and innovative technologies, which attracts today the most important weapons manufacturers.  It was not until a few years back that the show evolved to include space technologies, transforming it into a truly universal military fair.

The exhibit in 2010 was overshadowed by the February earthquake on the 8.2 Richter scale that leveled Conception, the second most important Chilean City, located less than 300 miles away from Santiago, the Capital.  Soon after, the resulting tsunami destroyed towns and the most important naval base in the country.  The show takes place adjacent to the International Airport and the terminal itself was badly damaged by the catastrophe.  Against these odds, the event organizers decided that the country needed to come back to normalcy as soon as possible and the show was approved to go on a few days after the earthquake.  It is noted that FIDAE brings into the country a financial boost to the local economy – something now crucial in the recovery.

The South African 20mm PAW.

As consequence of the disaster, there were a number of empty booths at the exhibit with some 30% of companies pulling out from the show.  To complicate matters, and due to much equipment needed for logistical support being diverted to attend rescue and assistance missions, material and equipment required for the event was not delivered or arrived late.  Nevertheless, the fair is so big and important that it received contribution and support from aviation companies from the U.S., Brazil, European consortiums, and Argentina.  In addition, Israel, Russia, China, Turkey and many other important arms producers would assert their willingness to support the event, making FIDAE 2010 a resounding success filling all 7 hangars/pavilions.

Small Arms Showcase
The Chilean Army has been reorganizing its forces, and has established a new Special Operations Brigade, and four Armored Brigades.  This has been accomplished with ambitious programs that included the purchase of German Leopard II MBTs, and Marder armored transports, but also in the acquisition of hundreds of M113 and HMMWV to allow for mobility on the battlefield.  One of the new projects calls for the acquisition of the future Chilean army assault rifle to equip these new formations.  This project will only complement the present arsenal since the Army will be retaining its SIG 7.62mm rifles for fighting in the Andean mountain ranges and other regions where the power and range of such caliber are preferred over the shortcomings of the 5.56mm models.  However, some 15,000 new rifles are needed to equip the new armored and special forces formations; the favorite contenders are the proven German HK G36 and U.S. M16A4/M4 models.  The Chilean Naval Infantry has already taken the Colt M16/M4 as replacement of the HK33 model.

KBP OSV-96 Sniper rifle.

Colt made its mark at the show with a line of M16 and derivatives, to include the SCW and SCW-P sub-compact weapons.  The SCW-P refers to an assault pistol variant.  The SCW PDW features a one-piece monolithic upper receiver, with a Colt collapsible folding buttstock.  This innovative buttstock provides for an overall extended length of 30.25 inches, reduced to 28 inches when retracted, and 23.5 inches when the stock is folded.  The SCW retains a barrel length of 10.3 inches and presents a lightweight compact design for maneuvering in tight spaces, making it the perfect companion for CQB engagements while retaining an overall firepower range of 400 meters.  The Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is another derivative of the M16 present at FIDAE with enhanced features for accuracy, versatility, and reliability.  The IAR-6940 has a monolithic upper receiver with Mil-Std-1913 rails at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock positions, along with another rail system in the lower part of the handguard in the 6 o’clock position, allowing the placement of all sorts of combat aid systems and accessories.  The IAR weights 9.5 pounds without such devices.

Nearby we found Laser Devices, Inc. displaying accessories, aiming sights, and lasers.  Nightline, Inc. presented a number of night vision sights, to include the M914, M983, M973 and many others.

Beautiful Sol Oilicki from IWI demonstrates the X95.

European small arms and infantry weapon industries were represented, among others, by Expal, Dynamit Nobel Defence, SAAB, FN Herstal and Beretta.  The Swedish had a full simulator for the RBS-70 Manpad, and demonstrated the use of their superb Carl Gustav and AT-4 antitank weapons.  The Chilean military has already incorporated several FN designs and gun mounts, and a number of MAG-58 machine guns were mounted on helicopters, armored vehicles, Humvees and others.  The Beretta ARX160 and GLX-160 have the distinction of having been adopted by the Italian Army as a platform within the future soldier program, but it was the RX4 Storm that caught our eyes due to its traditional and yet unusual design.  This semiautomatic rifle has been designed for the use of police forces rather than military ones.  CZ had a large selection of its successful line of pistols, with most of them derived from their legendary CZ-75.  It is noted that the pistol is produced also by FAMAE, and is standard issue to the Chilean military.  Even the UK Ministry of Defence had its own stand, displaying a number of interesting items.

MKE-manufactured MG3.

Chile entrust the production of most of its infantry weapons, to include SIG 540 and 543, as well as SIG 542, 542-1and 510-4, to the Army Workshops and Factories (FAMAE).  This consortium has the mission of adding local value to the natonal defence, devoting resources to the research, innovation and development of weapons for local and international markets.  It has three Maintenance Centres that evaluate the cycle and recycle of materials, and provides manufacturing and support to defence.  The SAF-FAMAE submachine gun, based in the proven SIG 510 mechanism but chambered to pistol calibers, has become a favorite among police and some military forces.  At FIDAE, we were allowed to handle the ergonomically interesting SAF-200.  This is a compact free floating barrel, blow-back design, chambered in 9x19mm.  In its standard fixed stock and empty, the weapon weights 2.71 kg.  The SMG sports a new designed forward handle and rails that allow the incorporation of all sort of devices, such as red dot, flashlights, lasers and others.  By comparison, the SAF-FAMAE sports a SIG classical lines, weighs 2.75 kg (empty and fixed stock) and employs basically the same mechanism.  The MT CAL 40 is the bigger model chambered to .40 S&W caliber, with a weight of 2.80 kg empty and in the fixed stock variant.  FAMAE is claimed as the principal technological platform to satisfy the demands of the Chilean Army.

Chilean helicopter MAG-58 MG mount. Note the aircraft special sight unit above the barrel.

The South African pavilion always delight with interesting and innovative designs.  Neopup presented the Personal Area Weapon (PAW), a mobile, high performance infantry weapon system for the 21st century.  This is a stand alone gas operated system, semiautomatic, with a quick reload time.  It fires a 20x42Bmm round at a muzzle velocity of 310m/s, and it is fed by a 6-round magazine.  The company representative at FIDAE, Craight Magill, tells us that its suppressive effect is not degraded with range.  This is a very compact weapon with a barrel length of 375mm, weighing 6 kg unloaded, and equipped with Picattiny rails side by side to accommodate red dot, scopes or NVG systems.  The PAW delivers PRAC/HEI/SAPHEI and APC rounds to a maximum range of 1,000 meters.  This 20mm ammunition weighs 110g, having a case length of 42mm, and round length of 105mm.  To our concerns over the potential recoil forces from firing a cannon caliber from such a basically light and portable weapon, Magill tells us that the weapon’s unique architecture accommodates an effective recoil mitigating system in an extremely compact envelope.  It was demonstrated to us how the forward part of the weapon recoils back after each shot, and in effect the stock absorbs much of the blow back force after each shot.

The Israeli stand always has a strong presence in FIDAE, and 2010 was no exception, with all sorts of high tech items on display, to include the ORCWS turret, which will be incorporated into the new Guarani APC being developed in Brazil.  Sol Oilicki, from Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) Ltd. handled for us the 9mm X95 SMG.  This is an ergonomic design of the TAVOR, part of the future generation of firearms for use with Special Forces that comes either in 9mm or 5.56mm.  Oilicki also demonstrated for us the Mini-Uzi, but as a reservist for the Israeli Defence Forces, she carries  the TAR-21, and at FIDAE we explored the CTAR, STAR, and GTAR 21 variants.  This successful bullpup design has already been incorporated in America by the Guatemalan Special Forces and police, as well as the Colombian military forces, and continues to be evaluated and incorporated by several others.  IWI had displays of its Galil trademark in several different variants to include the enhanced Galil Sniper, ACE 21, 22 and 23 models, the Micro, SAR and AR models, along with Jericho 941 and Barak pistols.

Colt was also present at FIDAE.

Another interesting bullpup in exhibition was the A-91 small assault rifle from the Russian KBP.  The rifle is actually chambered for the 5.56mm round, and it is described as a multipurpose highly-efficient automatic rifle.  Spent rounds are ejected forward, therefore allowing its handling from either right or left shoulders.  A special grenade launching tool is mounted under the barrel to fire 40mm VOG-25 and VOG-25P grenades.  The design can fire between 600 to 800 rpm to a range of 600 m.  The grenade can be launched to 400 m.  The rifle has a weight of 4.4 kg empty.  The smaller cousin PP-2000 is a submachine gun chambered for 9x19mm, with a 600 rpm rate of fire.  This SMG weighs between 1.30 and 1.56 kg depending on the variant.  The PP-90 is an extremely compact and actually foldable SMG chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov round; when folded the PP-90M looks as a small flat box.  KBP’s 6G-30 refers to the Russian version of the light multiple grenade launcher to fire 40mm VOG-25 and 25P caseless grenades.  This revolver type design can fire 6 grenades to a maximum range of 400m.  The OSV-96, on the other hand, is designed to reach and touch anything at extreme ranges.  This is a 12x107mm caliber sniper rifle with a range of 1,800 meters.

The Turkish industry pavilion had a large display of HK models and local variants built by MKE, to include a HK 33 modified (denominated T-50) with the carrying handle and sights of the HK G36, the MG3 machine gun and the Milkor MGL type.  Sarsilmaz came with the new 2010 pistol models (P-6, ST-10, CM-9, and K2-45), and displayed several other successful designs, and sport and combat shotguns.  One of the M212 models was displayed with a folding stock, tactical light, Picatinny rail, cooling jacket, a red dot electronic sight, and was equipped with a 7-round magazine, without forgetting to mention an unusual flash suppressor.  Trabzon Gun Industry Corp came to FIDAE with the ZIG M/1911 and the ZIGANA pistol line, including the 45 Model, F, Sport, T, K and M18 models, KANUNi S and 16 models, and FATIH 13.

Russian AGS-30.

This is only a short example of the large displays of small arms and infantry equipment exhibited at FIDAE 2010.  The show provided a window from the smallest combat devices, to Chinese made armored vehicles, Brazilian made Marrua jeeps, GM Hummers, up to the new technologies in UAVs, a mockup of the interesting Typhoon fighter, a pair of F-22 Raptors, and a huge C-17.  The 2012 show promises to be brighter and bigger…only if mother earth does not interfere again.

Hiram Maxim was born in the United States in 1840.  His genius lay in his ability to grasp the complexities of chemistry, electricity and mechanical engineering.  He ultimately received over 80 U.S. patents from 1866 to 1884.  Maxim was so prolific in his work that a consortium of New York investors from his main competitor, Thomas Edison, asked him to move to Europe and send back all the new electrical advances in Europe while not doing any research on electrical inventions himself.  Maxim accepted the offer and left for England in 1881.  He soon got bored with that and started looking for a new venue for his creative genius.  The rapid fire weapons of the day were manually operated repeating weapons such as the Gatling gun, Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon and the Nordenfelt Rapid Fire Gun.  Thus began his efforts to invent a truly automatic gun using the energy produced by the expanding gases and recoiling forces produced by a fired cartridge to feed, fire and eject in a continuous cycle with a single pull of the trigger.  In 1883, Maxim applied for his first gun patent and subsequently built the world’s first working prototype machine gun in 1884.  Thus began the series of machine gun development that revolutionized, and changed forever, the methods and tactics of warfare; bringing impersonal efficiency to the capability of killing enemy soldiers on land, sea and in the air.

To those with just a passing interest in classic Maxim machine guns, they are probably familiar with the term “German Maxim” as used as a catchall phrase that refers to all Maxims.  Such is not the case.  American born Maxim produced his machine gun in England and, with its great success, sold his guns all over the world.  Additionally, licensing agreements were made with arms manufacturers in other countries to produce the Maxim machine gun.  Germany, though prolific in their production, was just one such country to license the manufacture of Maxims. Other countries included the United States, Russia (who produced the most number of Maxims), China, Belgium and Switzerland.

In the interest of maintaining their peaceful neutrality, Switzerland has a long history of fielding a well-trained army outfitted with the finest equipment available.  Very early on, the Swiss were quick to grasp the advantages of rapid-fire weapons and acquired Gatling guns in 11mm in the 1870s and Gardner Guns (in the then prototype Swiss 7.5x55mm cartridge) in the 1880s.

Front view of the fully loaded Swiss utility cart containing all of the equipment necessary to transport the MG11: Gun chest with gun, tripod, water chest, belt filling chest, armorer’s chest, ammunition chests and tarpaulin. The smaller accessories such as the AA sight, binoculars and optical sight fit in the canvass covered storage box to the front of the cart.

MG94
In 1887, Hiram Maxim arrived in Thun, Switzerland to compete in the long-range shooting trials with his “World Standard” Model of 1887 machine gun in 11mm.  The Swiss were impressed and placed an order, but they wanted the gun chambered in the still new and experimental 7.5mm Swiss cartridge.  This caused Maxim some problems and it was back to the drawing boards to figure it out.  The Model 1887 “World Standard” was a massive weapon chambered in the rimmed .45 caliber/11mm black powder cartridge.  Maxim’s first attempt was to simply tweak the “World Standard” for the smaller, rimless, Swiss cartridge.  This converted model suffered many malfunctions.  In his next attempt, rather than convert the 11mm Maxim, he redesigned the gun specifically to accept the 7.5mm rimless cartridge.  This resulted in Maxim’s first “Reduced Caliber” (approximately .30 caliber) machine gun.  This gun was tested in 1889 (the same year the 7.5mm Swiss cartridge was officially adopted) and fired about 5,000 rounds without a serious malfunction.  The decision was made to adopt the Maxim into the Swiss Army.  It was found that the large water jacket, and the resulting extra weight, did not lend itself well to movement in mountainous terrain and Maxim was constantly making small improvements to his gun.  Over the next several years, modifications were introduced to the Swiss Maxim that included a smaller and slimmer water jacket.  This was standardized as the MG94 in 1894.  All of the MG94s (approximately 72 guns) were manufactured by Maxim Nordenfelt Guns & Ammunition Company Limited (MNG&ACL) at Nordenfelt’s 10-acre factory in Erith, England.

MG00
In 1899, forty more guns were ordered from Maxim’s new company, Vickers Sons & Maxim Ltd. (VSM) of London that incorporated a few more changes and modifications and was officially adopted by the Swiss in 1900 and designated as the MG00.  These changes included reverting back to the larger standard sized heavy brass water jacket, a new style “S” shaped crank handle and the installation of a bracket to mount the Swiss optical sight.  In addition to VSM, Switzerland contracted with Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, A.G. (DWM), a large German arms-producing factory in Berlin licensed to manufacture Maxims, to make the MG00 as well.  It is unknown exactly how many DWM MG00s were shipped to Switzerland but the number is estimated at around sixty.  Thus, Swiss MG00s may be found with VSM or DWM markings.

Hand-colored photograph in the form of a postcard of a Swiss soldier firing the MG11.

MG11
Switzerland regularly conducted trials to stay abreast of current technology.  The Maxim MG00 continued to be tops in its field against newcomers such as the Forbes machine gun, air-cooled Extra Light Maxim and the French Hotchkiss.  Nevertheless, in 1906, the new Austrian Schwarzlose water-cooled machine gun, weighing in at 44 pounds, threatened to make the heavy MG00 obsolete causing a new round of trials to be held.  Maxim’s patents had expired and VSM began introducing the new Vickers machine gun.  DWM then introduced its new Commercial Model 1909, which was substantially lighter than the previous Maxims.  Impressed with DWM’s new Commercial Model 1909, the Swiss adopted it two years later as the MG11.

Over the next several years, DWM shipped a total of 167 MG11s to Switzerland until 1915 when shipments ceased due to Germany’s war production requirements that demanded their full attention during World War I.  The Swiss found themselves in a dilemma without a supplier for their mainstay heavy machine gun, and the National Assembly decreed that all future manufacturing requirements were to be done by the Government Arsenal Waffenfabrik (W+F) in Bern.  Production began at W+F in 1915 and continued to 1946 with 10,269 MG11s being built.

Changes to the MG11 in the Interwar Years
In the years between World War I and World War II, the Swiss made some more changes to the MG11.  In 1934 and 1935, they replaced the riveted cloth belt with a metal, articulated, non-disintegrating belt that required minor changes in the feed pawl within the feed block.  The belt-loading machine was then modified by removing the cloth pocket-opening ram that was no longer needed, to accommodate the new metal belts.  Ammunition boxes were manufactured out of metal rather than wood and contained spacers to prevent the rounds from slipping during shipment.  A simplified recoil booster/flash hider was employed replacing the 1909 DWM booster.  The trigger group was redesigned to allow one-hand operation while the other hand was used to manipulate traverse and elevation adjustments, and limit stops for traverse and elevation were added to the tripod.  In recognition of the newest threat of aerial warfare, a mounting plate was added to the top cover for attaching an anti-aircraft ring sight and a white stripe was applied along the top of the entire water jacket to help facilitate quick target acquisition of aerial targets.

MG11 Mounts
The MG11 was mounted on the DWM designed commercial Model 1909 tripod, and made at the Waffenfabrik Bern factory.  This tripod was more stable than any other tripod in use at the time and was considered the finest mount available.  Features of this tripod include a spare lock (bolt) box riveted horizontally under the cradle bracket, telescoping front and rear legs with height adjustment marks for the front legs numbering 1-6.  The traverse and elevation mechanism had stops to control the field of fire and a range card listing 100 to 1,500 meters was riveted to the top of the elevation handwheel mechanism cover.  This tripod was among the last to incorporate a seat on the rear leg for the gunner.  When collapsed for transport, the overall length was just 40 inches and weighed 55 pounds.

The MRP is the first monolithic upper receiver.  The upper receiver is machined from a single 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum forging.  There are four solid Mil-Std 1913 rails and permit complete zero retention for optics or any other accessory placed on the rails.  The upper receiver is equipped with a forward assist, fired cartridge case deflector as well as an ejection port dust cover.  All rails are numbered for easy replacement of optics to insure they are placed back in the same position from which they were removed.  Removable sling swivel mounts are placed on the end of the MRP at the 3, 6 and 12 o’clock positions.  Additionally, mounting points are located on the right and left side at the rear of the handguard area by the ejection port.  This permits any type of sling or desired location for the operator’s discretion.

The innovation does not stop with the development of the first one piece monolithic rail platform.  The barrel, held in by two bolts, is removable by the user.  When the bolts are removed the barrel/gas tube assembly is pulled straight out of the receiver.  This enables the 5.56mm caliber weapon to be configured for whatever mission it will be used.  If a close quarter combat environment is the mission, a 10.5 inch barrel may be used.  If the mission is urban or normal combat ranges, a 14.5 or 16 inch barrel may be used.  If longer range is required, an 18 or 20 inch barrel may be used.  It should be noted the 16 inch 5.56mm barrel uses a mid-length gas system and all others use a standard carbine gas system.  All is accomplished at the user level; no armorer is needed to change out the barrels.  The barrels are manufactured from machine gun barrel steel and button cut rifling.  They are cut with the Mil-Spec 1 turn in 7 inch twist allowing up to 80 grain projectiles to be stabilized.  The barrels have chrome plated bore and chambers and are equipped with an A2-style compensator.  With Lewis Machine & Tool being a U.S. government contractor for many different parts, they are familiar with what Mil-Spec means and what it takes to achieve it.  All barrels manufactured by Lewis Machine & Tool are proof tested with a 70,000 psi proof cartridge and then magnetic particle inspected to insure the barrels are free of stress fractures.  When the barrel is installed in the MRP, the barrel is completely free floating.  This increases accuracy as well as the air holes in the MRP circulate air to aid in cooling.  The removable barrels also enable another innovation: the MRP is a multi-caliber weapon as different caliber barrels can be used.  Complete changing of the barrel is accomplished in less than 5 minutes.

The MRP provided for this evaluation came with many enhancements that are all Karl Lewis.  Starting with the sights, the rifle was provided with the LMT BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight).  This is a fully adjustable rear sight that has been provided to the U.S. Navy and SOCCOM for the MK18 CQB 10.3 inch carbines.  The sight is identical to that of the standard M16A2 or M4.  The front sight is removable and held on by a nut.  It has the traditional triangular shape and square front sight post.  Of course, being a Mil-Std 1913 rail, any BUIS can be mounted.

The charging handle has an improved latch that is easier for one to grasp as it is made wider so it is easier to actuate.

The bolt and carrier are also a significant departure from the norm.  When Lewis looked at the new design, he looked at the specific operating dynamics of the carbine and how different it is from the rifle.  Given the different dynamics, Lewis designed the bolt and carrier to function with that in mind.  To begin with, the bolt carrier has had several modifications.  Due to the dynamics of the carbine, the bolt unlocks at a faster rate on a carbine length gas system than a full length rifle.  Owing to this quicker action, there is still residual pressure in the cartridge case and it is still somewhat expanded when the rifle starts to extract making the extractor and extractor spring work that much harder to extract that cartridge case.  It also causes extractor springs to wear quicker than that of the rifle.  SOCOM has added rubber O-rings to increase the extractor force to cope with the wear issue.  The standard GI M4 has a new and improved extractor spring (copper in color) that is designed specifically for the carbine to increase extractor force.  Lewis also redesigned the geometry of the cam track by increasing the dwell time upon unlocking and thus permitting additional time for the residual pressure to drop allowing much easier cartridge extraction.  He also added an additional gas relief port to get rid of unneeded gas.

All LMT lower receiver assemblies come with the LMT produced ambidextrous selector lever. These are made in both semi-auto only and selective fire models.

The bolt was also redesigned with durability on mind using proprietary material that is significantly stronger than standard bolt material.  Due to its hardness it is more expensive to procure and more expensive to machine than standard bolt steel.  The geometry of the locking lugs has been modified as well.  There are stress relief cuts that allow more flexing of the lugs to prevent breakage.  The extractor has been redesigned as well.  The improved “lobster tail” extractor uses two extractor springs instead of one that significantly enhances the reliability of the extractor in adverse conditions.  The extractor claw is considerably more aggressive and stronger as well.  Like the barrels and as per Mil-Spec, all LMT bolts are proof tested and them magnetic particle inspected.

The lower receiver has many enhancements as well.  The stock is the LMT SOPMOD stock and is the stock assembly purchased by USSOCOM and the U.S. Navy for the M4A1 carbines and the MK18 CQB weapons.  The stock is triangular in shape and very smooth.  There are two removable sling mounting points on the stock as well as a cut-out for a standard GI silent sling.  There are two battery compartments that are water resistant tubes placed inside of the stock and there is a removable rubber butt plate as well.  The receiver extension is also designed by LMT and has six positions as opposed to the standard M4 which has 4 positions.  The provided pistol grip is the Ergo Grip that is extremely comfortable and with the finger grooves is comfortable and makes the rifle stable in the shooting hand in adverse conditions.  Also provided on the lower receiver is the Ergo Grip Gapper.  This little spacer covers the gap in-between the front of the pistol grip and the trigger guard.  LMT’s proprietary ambidextrous selector lever is also provided.  This is not just good for left handed shooters but can be just as useful to right handed shooters as well given the tactical situation.  Tangodown rail covers were provided on the rails.

The rifle was outfitted with the new EOTech XPS2-2 two dot reticle holographic sight.  Extremely compact, this sight uses a single 123 battery and has a battery life is 500 to 600 hours.  This sight only requires 2.75 inches of rail space.  Along with the sight is the EOTech Generation II 3X magnifier.  This comes with a Samson Quickflip tilting mount attached to an A.R.M.S. throw lever mount.  When disengaged, the magnifier sits to the right side of the rifle: when engaged for long range shooting it flips back.

Also provided was the LMT Rebar cutter. Due to troops in the Middle East blasting walls and rebar getting n their way of going through, Lewis designed this rebar cutter that mounts over the flash suppressor. The cutter is placed over the rebar, a round is fired and it cuts through the rebar.

Also attached to the rifle was the Insight Tech M3X tactical light with pressure pad activation that was mounted in a Tangodown vertical foregrip.  By just removing a spacer, the pressure pad sits in the grip.  The grip also is hollow allowing for additional storage.

The magazines chosen for the rifle are the Magpul PMag, one of the finest magazines available anywhere in the world for the Black Rifle.  This magazine is a significant reliability enhancement to any member of this family of weapons.  The constant curve design allows the shot column to sit in its natural shape and increase feed reliability.

The ammunition for this test was provided by Silver State Armory (SSA).  SSA is known for manufacturing some of the highest quality duty and match ammunition in the industry at competitive pricing.  Silver State Armory just moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Packwood, Washington where they have a 100 meter underground range and the facility meets United States Department of Defense requirements to manufacture military contract ammunition.  They manufacture their own brass.  All SSA ammunition is loaded with custom blends of powder geared towards the specific loading.  They offer several loadings in 5.56mm, 7.62mm NATO, 6.8SPC and .499 LWRC.  They are also one of the only ammunition manufacturers in the United States to manufacture armor piercing rifle ammunition in 5.56mm, 7.62mm NATO and 6.8SPC.

More than 300 rounds of SSA 5.56mm 55gr FMJ rounds were fired through the MRP for function testing and no malfunctions were encountered.  There were 200 rounds of SSA 5.56mm 77 grain OTM cartridges fired as well.  Groups at 100 yards kept around 1.75 inch groups consistently with the FMJ rounds.  All in all, this barrel has had more than 500 rounds through it and as it has broken in the groups had tightened up.  First groups fired with the SSA 5.56mm 77 grain OTM were consistent at 1.75 inches.  The last groups fired with this ammunition were printing consistently at 1 MOA.

The MP9
The MP9 has been developed from the Steyr Tactical Machine Pistol or TMP, to which Brügger & Thomet acquired the rights in the early 2000s.  This innovative Swiss company has made a number of modifications, the most obvious being a side-folding shoulder stock, which transforms the steadiness of aim and the effective range.  They have also added a NATO accessory rail on top for optical sights, ghost ring rear sights with an adjustable foresight, a trigger safety (similar to the Glock system), a suppressor attachment on the barrel sleeve (B&T also make the suppressors), and translucent magazines for 15, 20, 25 or 30 rounds.  Options include a Picatinny rail under the barrel in lieu of the fixed handgrip, and a fixed skeleton rather than folding stock.  The standard colour of the body is black but green and coyote tan are also available, as is a blue version adapted to fire Simunition FX training ammunition (which can also work with the new Force on Force cartridge recently introduced by ATK) and a red “manipulation” gun which cannot fire live ammunition and is used for safe handling training.

The result is an exceptionally compact and lightweight submachine gun or machine pistol, largely made from polymer and weighing just 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) empty.  Loaded 9mm magazines weigh 240 grams (8.5 oz) for 15 rounds to 440 grams (just under 1 lb) for 30 rounds.  The MP9 is 303 mm (11.9 inches) long with the stock folded and 523 mm (20.6 inches) with the stock unfolded.  Barrel length is 130 mm (5.1 inches).  Unlike most SMGs (with the notable exception of the Heckler & Koch MP5 series) the gun fires from a closed and locked bolt, utilising a rotating barrel locking system; it will still fire when the muzzle is pressed against the target.  The cyclic rate of fire is 750-800 rpm.  The single shot/automatic selector and manual safety switch is a push-button by the thumb.

PDW cartridges, from left to right: 5.7x28 FN, 4.6x30 HK, 9x19 NATO, and three loadings of the 6.5x25 CBJ; saboted ball, HET and frangible.

According to B&T, about 5-6,000 MP9s are sold every year.  The gun is widely exported and is now in service with many special forces and close protection teams.  The use of the ubiquitous 9mm cartridge is a significant selling point, along with the compact dimensions, the open holster (the gun clips into it) and the availability of the training versions.  The modest penetration of 9mm ammunition isn’t felt to be an issue as hardly any of the expected opposition use body armour (this may not, of course, remain the case indefinitely), and around 50m is regarded as an adequate range for its particular role.

The nearest competitor to the MP9 is the Heckler & Koch MP7.  The most obvious difference between them is that the MP7 is available only in HK’s unique 4.6×30 caliber, whereas the MP9 fires the 9×19 NATO, aka Parabellum or Luger, which is readily available from many manufacturers in a very wide range of loadings.  At least, that was the case until recently, when the first example of the B&T MP9 in the 6.5×25 CBJ version appeared.

The 6.5×25 CBJ
Carl Bertil Johansson is an experienced gun designer who has worked with Aimpoint and SAAB Bofors among others, but set up CBJ Tech to develop his idea for a high-performance cartridge.  The company, a family-run business, is based in southern Sweden and owns a Cold War bunker which provides very secure accommodation for workshops and range testing.

CBJ started development of the 6.5×25 cartridge in the late 1990s, at the time of the NATO competition to select a new PDW round.  This was intended to replace the 9×19 with longer-ranged ammunition able to penetrate NATO’s CRISAT target (equivalent to contemporary Russian body armour) at 150 metres.  The only cartridges officially tested were the 5.7×28 FN developed for the P90, and HK’s 4.6×30 for the MP7.  It proved impossible to reach political agreement on which to choose, so no decision was made.

Test results in ballistic gel, 340mm (13.4 inches) wide (bullet track from left to right): 9mm NATO ball (top), 6.5mm CBJ ball (middle), 6.5mm CBJ HET (bottom).

FN and HK both started with “clean sheet” ammunition and gun designs, but Carl Bertil decided on a different approach, reasoning that a cartridge that was interchangeable with the universal 9×19 round by means of a simple barrel swap would have a much wider appeal.  It would mean that existing guns could be adapted to fire the new cartridge, and also that guns in the new caliber could be easily changed to 9×19 if required; even the magazines remain the same.

This design principle meant that the new CBJ cartridge would have the same overall dimensions as the 9×19 (including the rim diameter) and would need to develop a comparable recoil impulse to ensure reliable gun functioning.  The cartridge that emerged from this study was the 6.5×25, with an extended, necked-down case and a short bullet protrusion.  Several different loadings in three ballistic groups have been developed.

To compete with the 5.7 and 4.6mm rounds in meeting the NATO PDW long-range penetration requirement, a sub-caliber loading is used.  The standard military “ball” loading is actually a 4mm caliber tungsten bullet in a plastic sabot.  The bullet weighs 2 g (31 grains), 2.5 g with its sabot.  There is a “spoon-tip” version designed to encourage more rapid bullet upset on impact, and a training variant using cheaper core material.  All of these are fired at a muzzle velocity ranging from 730 m/s (2,395 fps) from a 127mm (5 inch) barrel (the recommended minimum barrel length) to 900 m/s (2,950 fps) from a 305mm (12 inch) barrel.  The tungsten-cored loadings fired from a 12 inch barrel match the trajectory of the 5.56×45 NATO from an M4 Carbine and have much superior penetration to its standard SS109/M855 ammunition, being able to punch through 9mm armour plate.  From a 12 inch barrel, velocity at 300 metres is 578 m/s (1,900 fps) at which range it will still penetrate the CRISAT target.

The 6.5mm version of the MP9 has the barrel extended to 150mm (5.9 inches), giving a muzzle velocity of just over 800 m/s (2,620 fps).  By comparison, the 5.7×28 P90 and 4.6×30 MP7 both fire as standard 2 gram (31 grain) bullets at about 720 m/s (2,360 fps).  A brass-jacketed 6.5mm ball round weighs 7.5 grams (115 grains) compared with 6.2-6.4 grams (96-99 grains) for the 5.7 and 4.6 rounds and around 12-13 grams (185-200 grains) for 9mm.  Loaded 15 and 30 round 6.5mm MP9 magazines therefore weigh about 165 and 290 grams (5.8 and 10.2 oz) respectively.  Steel and light-alloy cases are being considered by CBJ, but the initial emphasis is on brass.

The other ballistic groups fire full-caliber 6.5 mm bullets.  One group, primarily intended for police use, fires lightweight 2.5 gram (38.6 grain) bullets at the same velocities as the sub-caliber loadings.  These consist of the HET (high energy transfer) brass bullet and a frangible (polymer/metal powder blend) version for use in training or when barrier penetration needs to be minimised.  The HET will also penetrate the CRISAT armour target at short range, but these rounds are most effective within 50 metres as the lightweight bullets rapidly lose velocity.  The third ballistic group has just one round – subsonic armour piercing – intended for use with a suppressor.  It is much heavier than the other bullets at 8 grams (123 grains) and can also penetrate the CRISAT target.

MP9 stripped down to show both barrels.

The 6.5×25 cartridge cases were previously made by reforming 9×29 Winchester Magnum brass, but CBJ Tech now has cases specially made for them.  These use slightly thicker brass, requiring some adjustment to the propellant loads.  The colour of the sabots has not yet been firmed up; originally these were black but this was changed to white to aid recovery from the indoor range’s backstop, which has an outer layer of shredded black rubber.  For production purposes, different colours may be used to indicate the loading.

SAAB Bofors was initially involved in helping to market the 6.5×25 while the NATO competition was running, but is no longer involved with the project.  CBJ Tech is continuing to develop the ammunition and demonstrate its capability in a wide variety of converted submachine guns and pistols.  Those tested to date range from the Steyr AUG SMG to SIG Sauer and Glock pistols.  Where necessary, pistols are fitted with barrels extended to 5 inches.  A substantial purpose-designed SMG, the CBJ MS, was initially developed to use the new round and features a folding bipod and an optional large-capacity drum magazine in order to act as a light support weapon out to 400m.  However, CBJ Tech is now mainly focused on adapting existing 9mm weapons, particularly the MP9 as this is seen as the ideal combination for the PDW role in which there is growing military interest.  The remarkable performance of the 6.5mm cartridge, especially in armour penetration, is such that CBJ is intending to offer their conversions only to military and police customers.

How it Works Together: the MP9 in 6.5×25 CBJ
Once in Sweden, I had the opportunity to test-fire the MP9 in both 9mm and 6.5mm calibers alongside other weapons for comparison purposes, in two locations; an outdoor range in semiautomatic fire and in CBJ’s indoor range on automatic.  Before this, I had only been able to handle the MP9 so I was keen to see how it performed.

In either caliber the MP9 is a pleasure to shoot.  I found the spacing between the butt, the pistol grip and the forward handgrip suited me well.  The fat, forward-sloping front handgrip greatly aids control and I would certainly not wish to do without it.  For semiautomatic fire, the little 1.5x Trijicon sight proved ideal and the effective range of the 6.5mm version firing the saboted tungsten ammunition would probably be around 200 metres.  In 9mm calibre, or for close-range work, a 1x holographic red-dot sight (also tried) might be preferred.

The author firing the MP9.

Given the MP9’s small size and weight I was surprised by its controllability in automatic fire.  As a UK civilian, my opportunities for firing automatic weapons are more or less zero but I found no trouble in keeping the rounds on target when firing short bursts; the little gun was much easier to control than an M16 I tried afterwards.

There was very little difference between firing the 9×19 and 6.5×25 versions of the MP9.  Subjectively, the 6.5mm version felt as if it had slightly less recoil.  My arrival coincided with CBJ’s working up of loads using their new cartridge cases.  They hadn’t finalised this process and the 6.5mm version suffered some failures to feed with the new cases (although it performed very well with the older ones) but that was expected to be a temporary glitch.

A key question in my mind was this: OK, the little 4mm tungsten bullet goes through armour like the proverbial hot knife through butter, but how does it perform against unarmoured personnel?  This question could only finally be decided in combat, of course, but ballistic gel provides a repeatable substitute for testing purposes.  CBJ Tech have the facilities for this, and performed some tests for my benefit.  I witnessed three different cartridges being compared at about 5 metres range; the standard 6.5mm saboted ball (this one first had to penetrate a CRISAT target), the full-caliber 6.5mm HET and the 9×19 NATO FMJ.  The least impressive was the 9mm, while the 6.5mm HET showed far more disruption with rapid bullet upset.  The saboted ball also performed significantly better than the 9mm, and according to previous tests I was shown, the spoon-tip version demonstrates even faster upset as one would expect.  Interestingly, on one of the test shots of the saboted rounds the sabot was found stuck into the surface of the gel block, which showed that it had followed the bullet down-range quite closely.

9mm thick armour plate from a Russian vehicle, showing penetration by 6.5mm CBJ ball.

In summary, the Brügger & Thomet MP9 is arguably the best of the new breed of PDWs – or machine pistols or compact SMGs if you prefer.  For only about double the size and weight of a pistol (but half the size and weight of an M4 Carbine) it offers perhaps ten times the effective range plus controllable automatic fire.  The use of universally-available 9×19 ammunition is proving to be an important benefit, but if more range or penetration is required the gun can easily and reversibly be converted to the impressive and versatile 6.5×25 CBJ.  For any military or law enforcement organisations contemplating a weapon in this class, this could be a winning combination.

More information about the 6.5×25 ammunition is presented on the CBJ Tech website at: www.cbjtech.com.  Brügger & Thomet’s website is: www.brugger-thomet.ch/.

Anthony G Williams is an independent ammunition consultant and co-editor of Jane’s Ammunition Handbook.  He maintains a website at www.quarry.nildram.co.uk.

In the Global War on Terror, ammunition is a necessary commodity to fight a war.  Luckily, with good logistics and supply chain management, little thought is given to where the ammunition actually comes from.  As the sole remaining U.S. Army ammunition factory, the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant invited a small group to tour the factory facility.  Commonly known as “Lake City,” the plant is located outside Kansas City, Missouri, occupies 4,000 acres, comprises more than 400 buildings, and currently employs over 2,700 employees.

Created by (then) Senator Harry Truman, ground breaking and construction commenced on December 26, 1940, with completion and opening of the facility in the summer of 1941.  The timing was fortuitous, as the United States entered World War II less than six-months later.  The facility has been producing ammunition on a near daily basis ever since.  Operated as a government owned, contractor managed facility, the facility is currently managed by Alliant Techsystems, commonly known as ATK.  ATK has managed the plant since April 3, 2000.

Brass cup used to form .50 BMG brass.

In 2005, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) conducted a study on the availability of ammunition, and the condition of the defense manufacturing base.  The GAO found that following the end of the Cold War, the U.S. Government significantly reduced the number of small and medium caliber ammunition and eliminated all but one government owned ammunition-producing facilities.  Since 2001 and the Global War on Terror, demand for ammunition has increased significantly.  According to the 2005 GAO study, between fiscal years 2000 and 2005, total requirements for small caliber ammunitions more than doubled, from about 730 million to nearly 1.8 billion rounds, while total requirements for medium caliber ammunition increased from 11.7 million rounds to almost 22 million rounds.  In 2006, official production of small arms ammunition did not meet the demands of the U.S. military, and the U.S. Government was forced to buy ammunition on the commercial market and from foreign supplies.

The increase in demand by the U.S. Government necessitated modernization of the facility; production rates could no longer meet the ever increasing government demand for high quality small arms ammunition.  The modernization effort was approved by Congress, to the tune of $52 million dollars to allow replacement or refurbishment of cartridge production equipment, and to allow facility improvements.  Due to the modernization, the facility has been able to increase capacity to address current needs, with the ability to increase present production to meet future needs.  According to a U.S. Army official, the Army plans to replace and refurbish ammunition production equipment at the facility through fiscal year 2011 and beyond.

5.56 cartridge cases are manufactured at a rate of 1,200 cases per minute.

A lot has changed since 1940, and yet the plant is remarkably simple.  Raw materials come in, and finished ammunition goes out.  Nearly everything is manufactured on site – primers, brass cartridges, and projectiles are all made on site, in a variety of sizes and calibers.  Four types of ammunition are manufactured on site – 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .50 BMG and 20mm.  The small arms ammunition – 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 BMG – are produced from raw materials, while the 20mm ammunition is assembled from components delivered from off site.  In the ten years of operation, ATK has delivered 10 billion rounds of ammunition to the U.S. Army.  As a testament to the importance of the Lake City Facility, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. visited the plant in October 2009.  “I’m out here on my first trip to Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, and I’m hugely impressed with what I’ve seen here.  Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is a critical manufacturer of small caliber ammunition.  We are using 20 million rounds per year in Afghanistan.” Casey said.

M62 7.62mm tracer ammunition, waiting to be belted and loaded.

Karen Davies, Senior Vice President and President for Alliant Techsystems provided additional insight into the modernization process.  “Soldiers don’t think about their ammunition.  They know it’s going to initiate and function.  That’s the best possible feedback from our endeavors at modernization.  We’ve implemented a lean six-sigma model within the modernization as a means of ensuring quality throughout the manufacturing process.  We’ve also sought to increase awareness and control throughout the ranks of our employees as a means of incorporating improvements throughout the production process so that we are not reliant upon testing performed at the end of production.”  Given the current needs of the Army within the Global War on Terror, the Lake City facility has a heavy burden to produce and deliver.  Given the modernization efforts and the patriotic nature of the employees, there is no doubt that the Lake City facility will continue to produce high quality ammunition for the U.S. Army soldier.

Quick facts: 
– 6.5 million rounds of .50 BMG ammunition produced per month.
– 3.5 million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition produced per day.
– Each 5.56mm machine loading can produce 1200 rds of 5.56 per minute
– 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition are manufactured on site per year.
– 8 million rounds are test fired as part of quality control, research, and development per year.

Lake City Arsenal.

SADJ was invited to review the Tactical Training Team facility in Serbia, and having known the founder, Dragan Lestaric, for many years, we considered this to be a prime opportunity to look at a resourceful training group in a non-traditional area for many end users in the international community.  Dragan is a former officer of the special Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Serbian Ministry of Interior and National Security Service, with a highly developed set of tactical and weapon skills that he has excelled at passing on in training scenarios. 

Located in the Kolubara mining region in Serbia approximately one hour from the city of Belgrade (airport code: BEG), Tactical Training Team (TTT) offers a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training with a core focus on advance tactics and operations.  Courses range from familiarization with foreign weapons and tactics to more complex training such as covert operating techniques, aerial marksmanship from live aerial platforms, and introduction to IEDs.  TTT is one of the few civilian institutions in the world that is approved and licensed to offer accelerated advanced operations training and air assault courses.  The courses are made available to select students through a vetting process closely coordinated with the host country and the country of the student.  TTT is strategic partners with various Ministries of Defense licensed to carry out research and development testing on newly developed weapons and targeting systems such as suppressors, IR aiming devices, night and thermal vision equipment.  Due to the nature of this business, the close relationship TTT has with the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Defense helps considerably and provides access to government defense facilities and ranges to offer training and live firing of larger caliber weapons systems and destructive devices that are not available in most other training locations.  Anti-tank missiles, 12.7x108mm and 14.5x114mm heavy machine guns, 20 through 40mm automatic single and multiple barreled cannons, artillery, mortars, and specific EOD demonstrations and training are available from TTT.  Attendees are from various countries’ military groups, law enforcement, and qualified private contractor and security firms.

The Tactical Training Team staff is truly diverse, with international instructors from the U.S., Serbia, Bosnia, the UK, South Africa, and Europe.  These are highly experienced instructors who are seasoned professionals in the fields of military special operations, intelligence, unconventional warfare operations, and law enforcement.  Their mission is to employ constant guidance to students in every aspect of technique and theory based on real life experiences to ensure the students are properly prepared for operating in a high risk environment.  The unique methodology brought together by this group of instructors constantly enhances the training environment by helping the attendees gain experience to deal with real world threats.

TTT attendees involved in full live fire training for VIP protection. This is the Serbian Security Government Service group.

The programs include advanced training scenarios that meet IDPA standards, and TTT can create custom simulated training environments that mirror and address the current trends in high risk locations around the world.  Since the group of instructors have such diverse real life experiences from operating in conflicts in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, the African continent and other conflict areas, TTT can deliver realistic and memorable training to the attendees.

TTT’s main training center has three acres of shooting ranges outdoors that provide various angles and ranges from 270 degrees with up to 60 meters for vehicle drills, PSD AOP scenarios, CQB/Kill House, and dynamic entry.  Other ranges provide 180 degrees with 25 to 100 meters for individual shooter training.  Perimeter ranges provide for long range sniper training to 700 meters with other areas for longer ranges, and there is an indoor concrete tunnel accessing targets at 50, 100, and 150 meters.  The facility has driving courses and long range patrol and recon training in larger primitive areas.  All ranges have various steel targets, poppers, paper target frames, movable obstacles and covers in various profiles.  The ranges are approved for explosive breaching demonstrations and training.  In the center of the training complex there are two helipads used for B212 and B412 helicopter operations and courses and live fire from aerial platforms.

A note for Western groups: in the main building there are Western style toilets and showers, a restaurant, and parking area out front.  There are also hotels and Internet access available nearby.

Tactical Training Team can provide unique solutions to many of today’s problems in preparing soldiers and contractors for high risk environments.  They have a long list of satisfied customers, and are discreet in their professional conduct, so SADJ will not be listing them here.  It is the opinion of this writer that TTT is one of the most agile groups in the training field.  There are a number of very good training groups around the globe, and TTT’s quality and ability to react to customer’s needs fits into that category.  Customers with special or custom training needs should consider the advantages of this group.

Contact:
Tactical Training Team, Ltd.
office@tactical-spec.com
www.tactical-spec.com
www.zone4international.com

Provision of 20mm+ ammo and grenades:

U.S.    
www.defensemunitions.com
info@defensemuntions.com

Europe
hayduk1@eunet.rs

GP-25, GP-30, and BGP-40 40mm underbarrel grenade launchers are taught in both tactical use, proficiency, accuracy and armorer at TTT. Note the fast target acquisition pendulum ranging sight. (Dan Shea)

VOG-25 high explosive grenades ready for firing.

Dragan Lestaric, founder and director of TTT, demonstrates tactical use of the 9x19mm HK MP5K submachine gun with stock.

Night vision course at TTT with M4 style 5.56x45mm carbine, various optics, non-visible laser and head mounted NVG.

Davor, Chief of Operations for Z4/TTT, demonstrates firing technique with very short barreled protection version of the M16 Carbine in 5.56x45mm.

DShK 12.7x108mm machine gun being fired with armor piercing incendiary tracer (APIT) ammunition. The DShK is a primary weapon in many of the world’s armies today, as well as being a threat weapon in Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous other hotspots. (Dan Shea)

CQB course.

The “Brown Water Navy” is back in force and elements of Captain Kruger’s command have been conducting operations on Iraq’s waterways without a break since February 2007.  Proudly carrying forward the legacy of the U.S. Navy’s famed River Patrol Force of the Vietnam War, today’s hard-charging Riverines are superbly equipped, armed and trained for a wide range of specialized missions.

Their weapons are standard issue but there is little that is ordinary in their operational environment.  While extreme temperatures, dust and precipitation are familiar foes to all combatants, Riverines face special challenges in maximizing the effectiveness of their guns while underway and during landside missions.

SADJ talked at length with several experienced Riverines about these challenges.  Their observations, we believe, will prove useful for a variety of warfighters on land, sea and in the air.  This first installment in a two-part series affords a close look into specialized Riverine watercraft, the versatile array of crew-served weapons aboard and the dedicated Sailors who man the guns.

Fast Boats and Machine Guns
SADJ’s first encounter with Detachment 1 of Riverine Squadron 3 came on the morning of April 2, 2009, at Mile Hammock Bay on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, as they were preparing for another long training day.  Heavy overcast, fog and driving rain emphasized the challenges of operating in all weather conditions but the hardy Riverines were eager to get underway for long-scheduled live fire maneuvers.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) William F. Ashley, Det 1’s Officer in Charge, explained that Lejeune’s range safety requirements necessitated a careful visual reconnaissance to make sure no watercraft had strayed into the bay’s designated firing area.  Unfortunately, the weather was so bad that Range Control’s small fixed wing aircraft couldn’t fly.

1984, Panama Canal. Years after earning distinction with the U.S. Navy’s famed River Patrol Force of the Vietnam War, a light, fast and well armed PBR MKII escorts the battleship USS IOWA as it transits the canal. The iconic PBR (Patrol Boat River) remained in service until the Navy’s transition of Riverine capabilities to its Special Warfare components. (U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Jeff Hilton)

But waiting for a weather change that would allow range clearance afforded a good time for the requested interviews.  We climbed up into the back of one of the unit’s heavily armored trucks to meet with two Riverines who had gamely volunteered for the task; Gunners Mate 1st Class (EXW/SW) Adam John Sanchez and Gunners Mate Chief (EXW/SW) Geovarrie “Geo” M. Lopez, both well seasoned Sailors.

The 29 year old Sanchez hails from Eagle River, Alaska, where he spent some time as a fishing guide.  His ten years in the Navy included service on USS Spruance Guided Missile Destroyer before volunteering for Riverine two years ago.  He soon deployed to Iraq with Det 1 and earned the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  He has been a Boat Captain for one year and his additional skills include Range Safety Officer and Crew Served Weapons Instructor.

Lopez, 35 years old, calls Key West, Florida, his hometown.  He’s had a number of different assignments during seventeen years in the Navy, notably aboard the USS Gettysburg Guided Missile Cruiser.  Volunteering for Riverine, he has two years with Det 1 and its Iraq deployment, earning the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  Lopez is a Boat Captain and a qualified Small Arms Instructor.

It worked well to interview them together because each one’s observations tended to bring additional insights from the other.

SADJ:  Why did you join the Navy and then transition to Riverine?

Sanchez:  I considered a career in law enforcement and knew that Navy experience would be a good start.  I have military in the family and they recommended the Navy.  I asked for assignment to Riverine to ‘ramp up my career’ and get some combat experience.

Lopez:  It was in my blood, my father’s also in the Navy.  I’d seen my father’s experiences and wanted that part of my life as well.  I went from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to Yeoman in Navy.  I volunteered for Riverine, a job with action and combat experience.

SADJ:  Are you personally interested in firearms and shooting?

Sanchez:  Oh yes, I’m a Gunners Mate (GM).

Lopez: I do like shooting, I love guns and it happens to be my job also as a GM.

SADJ:  What schools and training have prepared you for your current duties?

Sanchez:  I have 0814 NEC (Navy Enlisted Code) for CSWI (Crew Served Weapons Instructor) through STS (Navy contractor Special Tactical Services), been through GM ‘A’ school (initial qualification) then ‘C’ school (advanced) as a Vertical Launch System Tech; also Marine Corps 0331 Machine Gunner Course.  It’s outstanding training, intensive tests, very detailed.  More landside shooting and then in RSO (Range Safety Officer) school we did more of the waterside shooting.  

5 July 2008, Lake Quadisyah, Iraq. U.S. Navy Gunners Mate Jose Caro of RIVRON THREE scans the horizon beyond his M240 machine gun station aboard a Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) conducting a security patrol near Haditha. Caro’s headphones and mic are plugged into the boat’s intercom system and hitting the switch box on his chest allows him to communicate clearly with all members of the crew despite high noise level while underway. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard)

Lopez:  GM ‘A’ school, 5 inch cannon, Small Arms Instructor school at Little Creek, landside shooting at Marine Corps 0331 Machine Gunner Course, and waterside starting here during this training cycle preparing for deployment.

SADJ:  Do you have the opportunity to train using computer simulators?

Lopez:  No, we do actual training on the boats.  Parked dry runs to get familiar with your stations so when you actually get on the water the only thing you have to get is your ‘sea legs’ to get your balance.  No simulation, always reality with blanks then live ammo.  We shoot underway against static targets.  

Sanchez:  Same training cycle.  We all went through the 0331 Machine Gunner Course for the Marine Corps, helped a lot.  They definitely pound in the information and that helps a lot.  I had simulators in the 0814 CSWI school but as far as the rest of the unit, no.  A couple others have had the CSWI course as well.  STS did a good job in teaching, outstanding training, probably one of the better schools I’ve been to ever. 

SADJ:  Is there enough time allocated for training?

Sanchez:  Yes, time has been OK but very condensed.  The gunners are learning what they need to learn.  Maybe expand the time a bit for a little more proficiency but overall it’s outstanding training.  

Lopez:  Definitely more training is always better.  As of right now its doing the job and I know it’s getting people’s proficiency up on the weapons.  New gunners on their first deployment are jumpin’ right in.  I know I can rely on those guys on the guns to do their job.

SADJ:  Night shooting?

Sanchez:  Absolutely, night operations are a major mission.  NVGs (night vision goggles) PVS-14 monocular we’re using right now.  PEQ-15 lasers mounted to each of the crew served weapons.  Good gear even in fog and rain.  The weather hasn’t been fantastic lately for training and we’ve been doing pretty good.  

Lopez:  Definitely what we need to be doing, most of our work is at nighttime.  That’s really when you find out if the gunners are comfortable with what they’re doing.  Anybody can do it in the daytime.  The comfort zone for those gunners at nighttime changes when they have that night vision on and one of their eyes can’t see.  They start shooting that gun and the flash wipes everything out.  You find out their comfort levels and proficiency at nighttime.  

SADJ:  What do you teach to compensate for that — close one eye?

Sanchez:  Yeah, that’s one technique.  Another is to move the NVG away from your face and look under it. It works because of the tracers once you’re on target.  You use your laser to initiate the contact through NVGs and once you’re on target you can look underneath them (using tracers) and that works as well.

5 June 2008, Anbar Province, Iraq. Petty Officer Jason Jialenes of RIVRON THREE mans the aft-mounted .50 caliber M2HB machine gun on an RPB patrolling north of the Haditha Dam. Note the gun’s heavy armor shielding and the ammo can loaded with incendiary cartridges identified by their distinctive silver painted tips. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Hill)

SADJ:  Do you use parachute flares for illumination?

Sanchez:  We have the capability but tactically that’s not done.  We’re lighting ourselves up enough with the muzzle flashes.  We’re kind of in a unique situation because we have one way in and one way out on the river.  There’s no sense in illuminating us any more than we need to. 

SADJ:  What recommendations to the chain to improve operator skill with weapons?

Sanchez:  It’s already being done.  Riverine Group is constantly improving through critiques of training and operations.  Our situation as RIVRON 3, we’re able to get the better training product because RIVRON 1 and 2 go through before us.  

Lopez:  Definitely, we have the best product that has been generated through the training cycle.  And because we’re the first detachment in our squadron, we’re able to help the other two dets for their training cycle.  Whatever we critique in our after action reports group can make some more improvements and it keeps on evolving and they get better training.

SADJ:  How about the Riverine Security Teams (RSTs)?

Sanchez:  They’re in a different training pipeline; then we meet to do an interoperability where we all work together.

Lopez:  Each Detachment has RSTs and their training is specific to the landside.  They can’t do their mission without us and we can’t do our mission without them.  They’re boat riders but they’re also trained as crew served weapon gunners.  If one of our guys takes a hit they know what to do and can take over as well.

(Editor’s Note:  Part Two provides a detailed look at Detachment 1’s Riverine Security Team)

The sixth edition of Expomil Romania was held in the Romexpo Exhibition Center at the Bucharest International Fair in Romania.  This Expo was a one-building show with several levels around the promenade with larger exhibitors in the center.  It was a bit of a time getting close to the main building due to construction in the area, but that should be resolved by the 2011 Expomil show.

The majority of the exhibits were Romanian companies, but there were a number of other displays from the region.  SADJ interviewed several companies from the UK for their input on showing in Bucharest.

Phillip Mouser, sales manager from Manroy Engineering Limited out of East Suffolk, England, was manning the booth at Expomil.  Manroy does a lot of the work on refurbishment and supply of new M2 heavy barrel and GPMG machine guns in 7.62x51mm to NATO groups and the British military.  They’ve been working in Estonia and Lithuania, and they were in Romania because they want to start moving their focus a little further south into the former Soviet bloc areas, partly because Romania several years ago joined NATO, and they’re going to have to be changing off of their DShKs to have NATO caliber compliance.

CAE in the United Kingdom has approximately 40 countries that they have brought in various aspects of their military simulation and training groups.  Their United Kingdom website is at www.cae.com.  They specialize in larger group trainers, but have done some small arms training simulators as well, and see the market in the Balkans as a good showcase for their wares.

There was a strong international attendance as well, with many uniformed officers from China and other Asian countries in attendance for the event.  Management of the show certainly brought in the visitors for this show, and any company planning on working in the region, or making contact with the Romanian manufacturing base, should consider attending this show.

The SAUR 1 from Romarm SA Uzina Automecanica Moreni is an 8x8 armored personnel carrier. It’s a wheeled amphibious vehicle with four run-flat tires on each side that has a 12 member crew, including the driver, a commander and a gunner. Maximum speed on-road is 100 kilometers per hour; in water, 10 kilometers per hour. Range on the road with a full load is 700 kilometers. The main weapon on top is a PKML 7.62x54R machine gun, remotely operated with day and night vision and internal controls. This PKML has the ability to be fired freehand as grips are included on the weapon system; it is not just a PKMT.

The SAUR 2 armored 8x8 personnel carrier has eight run-flat tires, a crew of 11 members, including driver, commander and gunner. Protection level goes to Stanag 4569, the armored hull at Levels 2, 2a and 2b, and can be optionally upgrade to three. Maximum speed is 100 kilometers per hour on road and on water 10 kilometers per hour. The SAUR body can be used as a carrier or an ambulance, but in this particular case it’s being used as a host for the remotely operated 25mm automatic gun - type KBA B07AA. The co-producer is Arsenal-Resita and Rheinmetall Italia SPA. The 25mm is an Oerlikon Contraves automatic gun, a multiple weapon designed for the main application of gun turrets for armament on wheeled or tracked light vehicles. Muzzle velocity is 1,100 meters per second with a nominal rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. Electric supply needed is 24-volt DC with a 15-amp current for the firing solenoid. Ammunition used is any Oerlikon 25mm; Target practice or TP, TP-T HEI, HEI-T, SAPHEI, SAPHEI-T, APS-T, APFSDS-T, FAPDS-T, TPDS-T, and SRDS-T.

The DMT-85 M1 system is a mine-clearing machine with a 6.5 ton crane. It has a 860 horsepower diesel engine with a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour without the plough, which has replaceable blades. When the plough is added, it slows it down significantly. The mine-clearing system can clear a lane width of 3,900 mm, with a minimum depth of 250 mm. Mine-clearing speed is 12 kilometers per hour. There is an added electromagnetic mine-clearing system available. There are marking signs on the side and it has a launching system for a pyrotechnic cartridge. The weapon system on top is a remotely operated PKML machine gun, in 7.62x54R caliber.

Mija is a branch of Uzina Mecanica and representing them is Romarm. (www.ummija.ro) Mija presented a number of grenades. Shown are the RPG launched PG-7V and PG-7VM. The primary difference between the two is a little bit of a difference in length of the grenade, but the initial velocity, the maximum velocity that the grenade travels at is 300 meters per second for the PG-7V, initially leaving the RPG-7 with 120 meters per second from the expeller cartridge. On the PG-7VM the grenade leaves at 140 meters per second, utilizing a different expeller cartridge and has a maximum speed of 350 meters per second. Most other characteristics are similar, except piercing capacity on a PG-7V is 260 mm of rolled homogenous armor, and the piercing capacity on a PG-7VM is 300 mm of RHA. Both have a self-destruct fuze that activates between four and six seconds after the initial firing. The PG-7V has a grenade diameter of 85 mm and the PG-7VM is 70 mm. Both have a 40 mm caliber expeller. The PG9-V, utilized for the SPG-9 recoilless rifle has a 73 mm expeller diameter, and the expected accurate range is 800 meters, with a zero-degree change in accuracy. The PG9-V also has a self-destruct fuze, but it operates in a different manner. Within four to six seconds of either striking the target and not having the original fuze go off, or coming to ground somewhere else, the self-destruct is timed four to six seconds after. Piercing capacity is 300 mm of RHA.

The offensive and defensive hand grenade offerings from Mija included the RG-42, which is a green, canister-shaped round and has a 4 to 4.5-second time on the standard fuze that’s used; standard range of 35-45 meters, safety distance of 35 meters to the operator. Length of the grenade with fuze is 106 mm and the length of the grenade body itself is 86 mm. The M-529 grenade is an egg-shaped grenade, which is used in the offensive role and weighs .255 kilograms. Length of the grenade is 86 mm and the length of the grenade with fuze is 122 mm and has a 3-4.5-second delay time on the fuze. Distance of 35-45 meters with the minimum safety distance of 25 meters. The F1 grenade is a defensive hand grenade that has the appearance of the old pineapple grenade. Weight of the grenade with fuze is .566 kilograms. Length of the grenade body is 80 mm and the length of the grenade with fuze 100 mm. Delay time on the fuze is 4-5.5 seconds. Hand-throwing 35-45 meters with a minimum safety distance of 35 meters. The multi-functional grenade is green and is used to eliminate personnel from a fight and can punch light armor and destroy light construction.

Mirsand Brasov-Romania, (www.mirsand.rdsbv.ro), was offering two interesting 60mm mortar rounds, one an illumination round that was programmable to set up the characteristics of flight. The illuminating round is 400 mm long, and weighs 2,100 grams. It has a parachute and a flare, 280 grams. Muzzle velocity when it leaves the bore is 210 meters per second. The operator uses a fuze programmer - a small computer that programs range for height and parachute deployment, using standard incremental charges and standard aiming method. Communication is via a small cable to each round. Operating range is 300 to 2,200 meters. Intensity of illumination is 180,000-250,000 candle power; descent velocity three to five meters per second after deployment of the parachute. Illumination time 18-25 seconds. Mirsand has a “printed material” delivery 60mm round using a straight timing system on it for setting the fuze. This uses standard incremental charges. The length is 380 mm. Overall weight is 1,800 grams and the printed material cargo it can carry is 180 grams, plus two charges. It has a pyrotechnic fuze setting with an operating height of 300 to 1,500-meters. This is for delivering a cargo of printed material to scatter over an area.

SADJ spent a lot of time at Carfil (www.carfil.ro), all contact needs to go through Romarm, of course. The SPG-9 sight is made by IOR, with the model given is the AG-9M or an AG-9MD. It could also have a wheeled mount (not shown).

The SPG-9 has several standard rounds available, but the round that’s made for Carfil is the 73mm high-explosive steel cast iron bomb with the appearance of an 82mm mortar with an expeller cartridge. The expeller cartridge section and mortar round resemble the old B-10 82mm.

IOR, the optics group from Bucharest, was presenting night vision and other optic groups that they had. They have two products that they featured: first, a 3.5-18x50 with bullet drop compensator and sighting on it. The second one is a 6-24x56 bullet drop compensated set. Either one will withstand .338 or larger calibers. (www.ior.ro).