SOF Weapons Systems

Abstract

This project provides for development and testing of specialized, lightweight individual weapons and fire control/surveillance devices to meet the unique requirements of Special Operations forces (SOF). SOF often deploys as small, independent, quick reaction, foot-mobile teams independent of primary logistics support. Existing weapons and combat equipment are frequently unsuited to these conditions. Sub-projects include: • Family of Sniper Weapon Systems. This program includes next generation system development and pre-planned product improvements to current sniper systems. Next-generation systems include two variants: a Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) that is intended to provide SOF with a highly accurate weapon system capable of engaging targets while holding 1.0 Minute of Angle (MOA), Extreme Vertical Spread (EVS) at 914 meters (1000 yards) and 1.5 MOA EVS at 1500 meters (1640) yards Threshold, .5 MOA EVS from 274 to 1500 meters (300 to 1640 yards) Objective, and an anti-materiel rifle that will pursue heavy sniper system technology to provide SOF with precision engagement capabilities on materiel targets. • Weapons Accessories. Weapons Accessories. This program effort enhances all SOF weapons, both individual and crew served, by leveraging the latest technological advances in optional accessories (up to 30 different functions/capabilities) such as day scopes, night scopes, active aiming laser module, visible lights, grenade launchers, suppressors, hand grips, and close quarters battle sights. Miniature Day-Night Sight (MDNS) for Crew-served Weapons enhances all SOF weapons, by leveraging existing image intensification and thermal technology to improve combat effectiveness for all crew served weapon systems. Developmental efforts include test and evaluation of the combat assault rifle to include replicating live fire shock profiles. Thermal Pointer/Illuminator for Force Protection is an out-of-band thermal pointer for individual SOF weapons. It provides active targeting without the possibility of exploitation by common commercial night vision devices. Leveraging extensive modeling and simulation efforts executed by National Labs, competively award RDT&E contracts to select vendors to develop suppressors and flashhiders for select SOF weapon systems. These accessories greatly improve the combat effectiveness of the weapon systems and the survivability of the SOF operator. This program was increased by FY 2001, FY 2002, FY 2004, FY 2006, FY 2007 and FY2010 Congressional Adds. • Combat Assault Rifle (CAR). This program will provide the SOF operator with a 7.62mm Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), 7.62mm heavy and a 5.56mm common upper receiver kit. Variants will replace a percentage of assault rifles and light sniper weapons currently in the SOF inventory. Developmental efforts include development, test and evaluation of the SSR, objective “common upper receiver” design of the CAR, and a full ballistic fire control system for the 40mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM). The SSR is the next generation sniper support weapon system. The common upper receiver will be capable of accepting 5.56mm, 7.62mm, or any enhanced ammunition or additional caliber ammunition developed. The EGLM fire control unit will provide SOF operators with a precision ballistic solution for current inventory 40mm ammunitions and enhanced 40mm ammunition, for the single shot, 40mm grenade launcher that interfaces with the family of CAR systems. This program funding was increased by an FY 2007 Congressional Add.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: S375_1160477BB_7_0400_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

• Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
• Marksmanship and Weaponry.
• Munitions and Ordnance Engineering

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy