En el marco del programa “xTechSoldier Lethality Competition”, las empresas BARRET Firearms y MARS Inc han sido seleccionadas por el US ARMY para el desarrollo de la Nueva Generación de l.anzagranadas portátil que equipará a esa fuerza. Ambas compañías propusieron un sistema que dispare cartuchos calibre 30 mm como arma de apoyo cercano para las pequeñas fracciones. El arma deberá ser portátil, de disparo semiautomático, con cargador de 5 cartuchos e incorporar un moderno sistema de puntería y disparo que permita batir blancos hasta 500 m. El programa prevé además el desarrollo de una nueva familia de municiones explosivas de impacto y retardo programado.
Barrett Firearms and MARS Inc. have been selected by the US Army to deliver a next-generation precision grenade launcher, beating rival bidder FN Herstal in a push to upgrade infantry firepower.
Barret and MARS jointly proposed a new 30mm grenade rifle system capable of rapid, precise engagements against enemy troops behind cover and drones at close range.
The system is portable, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, and features an integrated fire control system.
While full specifications remain undisclosed, the weapon is reportedly based on the Squad Support Rifle, which fires 30×42mm grenades.
Assuming the design carries over, the new launcher is expected to include a five-round magazine, weigh approximately 6.3 kilograms (14 pounds), and have an effective range of 500 meters (1,640 feet).
According to the US Army, the Barrett–MARS team has been awarded $300,000 and was invited to advance to the program’s third phase, which will involve a proof-of-concept demonstration.
Programmable Airburst Munitions
Beyond the launcher itself, Barrett collaborated with AMTEC Corp. to develop a new family of 30mm munitions for the shoulder-fired weapon.
The ammunition suite includes grenades with proximity and contact fuses, as well as rounds optimized for close-quarters combat.
AMTEC also developed airburst grenades with programmable fuses, enabling mid-air detonation for greater effectiveness against targets behind cover.
“This new ammunition family will have the full spectrum of capabilities required to achieve the US Army’s mission to provide overmatch on the modern battlefield,” Barrett Firearms noted.
‘xTechSoldier Lethality’ Competition
The award was part of the army’s “xTechSoldier Lethality” competition, which invites companies to pitch innovative technologies to enhance soldier lethality.
The winning firm may receive up to $2 million in follow-on contracts.
The competition began in June 2023, with up to five companies receiving $15,000 each after submitting concept white papers. That pool was narrowed to three during a virtual pitch round, with only one company selected to advance to a final demonstration within six to 18 months.
Unselected firms may still be invited to propose further development based on evolving army requirements.
“This award highlights not only our technical capabilities, but the power of partnership, agility, and a shared mission,” said Ryan Krantz, Barrett Vice President of Business Development & Sales. “We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the US Army to deliver the next leap forward in soldier lethality.”
Fuente: https://thedefensepost.com
