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 New infantry weapons and modified/modernized versions
of existing assault rifles were on display. Among these were the new
version of FAMAS,
modified for integration with FELIN, as well as the
SCAR from F.N. Herstal USA,
which was developed for the US Special Operations Forces. Three SCARs
were displayed: the SCAR L light version, a SCAR L rifle equipped with
40 mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM) and the SCAR H
sharpshooter version. Other weapons designed for the
integrated infantry suite include the Israeli
Tavor which will be
modified to fit a dedicated
MPRS fire control/sight and
a 40mm
grenade launcher firing programmable
airburst munitions,
developed by IMI. The company also displayed the grenade launcher with
a stand-alone system, coupled with an
EOTech hollographic sight.
 AAI provided a first glance at one possible future of small arms,
which is under
development as part of the Lightweight Small Arms Technologies (LAST)
program. The new weapon is designed to replace light machine guns, such as
M249 and M240, with a new lightweight machine gun firing case
telescopic or caseless ammunition, and weighing 38% - 50% less than the current
M249 with normal ammunition load. LSAT with 600 rounds of ammunition will weigh
23.8 pounds, representing 38% reduction from the current 38.3 pounds.
AAI is leading an industry team developing the new prototype weapon
under a 28 month program. The new weapon is scheduled to complete
development by 2010.
One of the unique advantages of these new weapons is their ability to
engage targets around a corner or behind an obstacle. Some systems are
 purpose-built for this specific role, such as the CornerShot, which
displayed its new
Cornershot APR weapon. Others use the weapon's mounted camera and
eyepiece or special display to provide such performance. A simple
Concealed Engagement Unit (CEU)
accessory from Aimpoint, introduced at Eurosatory, enables such
function in a snap, for every weapon equipped with an Aimpoint sight. |
