{"id":11996,"date":"2023-03-19T09:46:28","date_gmt":"2023-03-19T12:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/?p=11996"},"modified":"2023-03-19T09:46:28","modified_gmt":"2023-03-19T12:46:28","slug":"next-generation-squad-weapons-ngsw-estado-de-avance-del-programa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/?p=11996","title":{"rendered":"Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW), estado de avance del programa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;El ambicioso programa\u00a0NGSW\u00a0del US Army para la unificaci\u00f3n de las armas b\u00e1sicas del combatiente en las menores fracciones de infanter\u00eda (Squad \/ Grupo), avanza seg\u00fan lo planificado para su incorporaci\u00f3n en las unidades operativas.\u00a0Est\u00e1 previsto\u00a0comenzar a proveer a sus tropas con el NGSW en el 2023. Luego de varios a\u00f1os de desarrollo del sistema, finalmente en 2022 se seleccion\u00f3 a la empresa SIG SAUER como adjudicataria del Programa NGSW. Se trata del\u00a0nuevo sistema de arma individual\u00a0para el\u00a0combate cercano del nivel Gpo Tir (Squad), que combina en una misma Plataforma Base Modular, un fusil de asalto (XM 7 Rifle) y una ametralladora liviana (XM 250 Automatic Rifle), ambos en el nuevo calibre 6.8mm, especialmente dise\u00f1ado por al US Army. Los mismos reemplazan a los actuales Fusil M4 y Ametralladora M249 \u201cMinimi\u201d. El contrato total es de US$ 4700 M para Sig Sauer y US$ 2700 M para la empresa Vortex Optics y Sheltered Wings responsables de la producci\u00f3n del nuevo sistema de Control de fuego \u201cNGSW- Fire Control\u201d.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>The US Army has long been at the forefront of weapons technology innovation, constantly seeking to develop new firearms that enable its personnel to meet the demands of modern warfare. One program aimed at revolutionizing the service\u2019s small arms arsenal is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/asc.army.mil\/web\/portfolio-item\/fws-cs-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)<\/a>\u00a0initiative.<\/p>\n<p>Forging ahead into the future of weapon design, this undertaking has culminated in the development of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.defense.gov\/News\/News-Stories\/Article\/Article\/3005746\/army-announces-2-new-rifles-for-close-combat-soldiers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle<\/a>, both manufactured by Sig Sauer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Testing and Feedback:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sofrep.com\/specialoperations\/u-s-army-green-beret-special-forces-the-complete-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US Army<\/a> intends to put the XM7 and XM250 through rigorous testing, with trials planned in numerous extreme environments throughout the summer. The primary objective of these tests is to evaluate the performance of the new weapons across a diverse range of conditions, further refining the designs based on feedback from soldiers.<\/p>\n<p>The development process has been heavily guided by user experience, with the Army incorporating recommendations from soldiers into the designs of the XM7 and XM250 to enhance their functionality, reliability, and overall performance.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Shots Fired XM7 Sig Spear | US\u2019s Next Generation Weapon System\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-C5bgQMgAaw\" width=\"858\" height=\"483\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cThe soldier touch point allowed the program and Sig Sauer the opportunity to solicit direct soldier feedback on the systems post-contract award and inform simple design changes to improve the weapons before going into Production Qualification Test and Operational Tests in the coming year,\u201d<\/em>said Captain Tyler Morgan, assistant product manager for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Comparisons to Previous Models:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the most significant advancements offered by the XM7 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle is their weight and size reduction compared to previous models such as the M4. Both new weapons are lighter and more compact, ensuring that soldiers are not encumbered during high-intensity combat. Furthermore, the firearms utilize 6.8mm rounds, a notable improvement from earlier 5.56mm rounds in lethality and range. The round has been put through its paces by SOF in the past. This transition in size and weight is expected to significantly enhance soldiers\u2019 ability to carry weapons over long distances while increasing their combat effectiveness.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe should note that this is the first time \u2026 in 65 years [that] the Army will field a new weapon system of this nature: a rifle, an automatic rifle, a fire control system, and a new caliber family of ammunition,\u201d Army Brig. Gen. Larry Q. Burris, the Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team director, said.<\/p>\n<p>The development of the XM7 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle heralds a paradigm shift in the military\u2019s small arms strategy, marking a departure from previous weapons like the M4 used by the United States Armed Forces.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cThis is revolutionary, and we arrived at this point in record time because we leveraged [the] middle-tier of acquisition rapid fielding authorities to enable speed and flexibility in defining requirements.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Emphasizing lethality, portability, and reliability, these next-generation rifles are poised to augment the tactical prowess of infantry units and those engaged in unconventional warfare scenarios. General Mark A. Milley, former Army Chief of Staff, underscored the need to modernize the infantry\u2019s small arms capabilities, expressing concern that the US military faced glaring capability gaps, particularly regarding range and firepower.<\/p>\n<p>A primary metric where the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wearethemighty.com\/gear-tech\/army-next-generation-squad-weapons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">XM7 and XM250<\/a>\u00a0excel is weight and size reduction. Owing to their lightweight materials and engineering design, both rifles allow for enhanced maneuverability and soldier mobility, which is critical in volatile combat environments. Conversely, the M4 has been criticized for its weight and bulk, which could potentially encumber the soldier and inhibit one\u2019s ability to perform missions effectively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe capability increase that these weapons provide over the M4 and the M249 is what\u2019s really exciting,\u201d Army Col. Scott Madore, the project manager for soldier lethality, said. \u201cIt\u2019s a significant change: the way it fires, the way, when you apply the fire control \u2014 which was previously awarded back in January \u2014 when you apply that to these weapons systems, it improves or increases the probability of a [hit] for the individual soldier. It reduces aim error, and it\u2019s a game changer. That\u2019s really what excites me about these two systems as we saw them go through testing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A 2018 report from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnas.org\/publications\/reports\/the-soldiers-heavy-load-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Center for a New American Security<\/a>\u00a0states that individual infantry loads \u2013 including weapons, body armor, and ammunition \u2013 have increased over the past 15 years. As such, the development of the XM7 and XM250 represents a response to the evolving exigencies of warfare, wherein lighter weapons systems are at a premium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHeavy loads can diminish both cognitive and physical performance. Combat requires forces prepared for engagements along both metrics; anything that diminishes the ability to engage the enemy is suboptimal. Heavy weight decreases tactical capability, especially when combined with fatigue and the physical effects of combat stress. Army doctrine reflects an understanding of the negative effect weight has on agility and physical performance. Army field manual FM 21-18, Procedures and Techniques of Foot Marches, encourages soldiers to carry heavier loads in training than combat in order to increase strength and improve maneuver on the battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Regarding firepower, the XM7 and XM250 boast a significant advantage compared to previous models. Both weapons utilize ammunition that is ballistically superior to the M4, employing 6.8mm rounds that substantially improve lethality and range compared to the earlier 5.56mm rounds. This shift demonstrates the military\u2019s commitment to increasing soldiers\u2019 combat effectiveness, as the 6.8mm rounds generate 40-50% more energy than the 5.56mm rounds. The result is a transformational leap in infantry capabilities, manifested in increased precision, stopping power, and overall effectiveness on the battlefield.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Next Gen US Military XM5 \/ XM250 Squad Weapons 2023\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XSFhcDbNEKE\" width=\"858\" height=\"483\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>While traditional optics and targeting devices have been the norm for battlefield engagements, incorporating advanced optical technologies in the XM7 and XM250 platforms differentiates these rifles from their predecessors. Utilizing an Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), soldiers can effectively double their hit probability at 300 meters (Riley, 2019). In addition, the integrated connectivity between the soldier\u2019s wearable computer and the weapon\u2019s optic enables the user to fire accurately from the hip, potentially mitigating the risk from enemy fire.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, reliability remains a critical factor that informs\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sofrep.com\/gear\/are-cheap-guns-worth-it-the-pros-and-cons-of-affordable-firepower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">weapon selection<\/a>\u00a0for militaries across the spectrum, alluding to a weapon\u2019s capacity to withstand weather, environment, and extended usage. The XM7 and XM250 have undergone rigorous testing protocols to assess their performance and durability under diverse settings. The results of these tests instill confidence in their potential as highly resilient and reliable firearms that can weather the challenges of unconventional warfare environments.<\/p>\n<p>The XM7 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle offer far-reaching improvements over their predecessors in weight, size, firepower, and advanced optics. Per the military\u2019s strategic vision, these powerful advancements are likely to profoundly impact the soldiers\u2019 overall combat effectiveness and readiness, shaping the future of infantry operations across theatres of conflict around the globe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Popularity in Special Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The XM7 and XM250 have garnered significant interest from the special operations community. This is largely due to the weapons\u2019 particular features and capabilities, which enhance performance, reliability, and adaptability. Additionally, incorporating these next-generation firearms into special operations units is believed to considerably expand the scope of military operations, with increased range and lethality leading to more effective engagements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Path to Production and Deployment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before the XM7 and XM250 can be cleared for mass production and deployment, they must complete a series of crucial tests. The Production Qualification Test (PQT) assesses the weapons\u2019 design and manufacturing processes and ensures that the manufacturing facilities consistently produce quality weapons.<\/p>\n<p>The Operational Test (OT) focuses on the weapons\u2019 performance in real-world conditions, with results potentially contributing to additional design improvements. Both tests will occur over the coming months, with keen interest from the military and defense industry in their outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe fielding of the weapon is based upon ammunition production,\u201d Burris said. \u201cAs the vendor is able to produce ammunition and then Lake City [Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri] ultimately comes on, what we don\u2019t want to do is field a capability to a unit where we don\u2019t have training ammunition or contingency ammunition if required. That\u2019s what drives the fielding of the weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe already have started preparing the site for the new building,\u201d Boruff said. \u201cThe new building will be stood up in Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, and it will start producing around [fiscal year] 25\/26. We\u2019ll work with SIG Sauer. We\u2019re clearing some space now at the Lake City facility to start production.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle embody significant advancements in weapon technology, positioning them to be pivotal in the success of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sofrep.com\/news\/goodbye-m16-m4-and-helloooo-ngsw-r\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NGSW program<\/a>. Should these innovative firearms ultimately fulfill expectations, they will have far-reaching implications for military strategies and tactics in the US Army.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fuente:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sofrep.com\/news\/next-generation-weapons-for-the-army-a-breakdown-of-the-xm7-and-xm250\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>https:\/\/sofrep.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;El ambicioso programa\u00a0NGSW\u00a0del US Army para la unificaci\u00f3n de las armas b\u00e1sicas del combatiente en las menores fracciones de infanter\u00eda (Squad \/ Grupo), avanza seg\u00fan&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11997,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11996"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11996"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11996\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11998,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11996\/revisions\/11998"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11997"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11996"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}