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 The XM8 lightweight
Modular Weapon System is
based on the Heckler & Koch G36. In its current version, it is derived from the
XM29 OICW program. The weapon fires 5.56mm
ammunition and its planned weight will be only 5.7 pounds,
considerably less than current carbines. The weapon is under
development since October 2002 and is expected to be ready for
fielding by 2005. The new weapon will provide lethality performance
comparable to the currently fielded M4 carbine rifle, at
considerably lower weight. The XM8 is designed as a modular weapon,
which can be fitted with different barrels and other modules which
can be swapped quickly to meet changing mission requirements. The
basic version uses an integrated sight with infrared laser and
illuminator, red dot reflex sight and integrated mount. Variants
include the baseline carbine, a sub-machine gun-like personal
defense weapon, a sharpshooter's configuration and a variant for use
as a heavy-duty machine gun for sustained rapid-fire applications.
An optional add-on 40mm grenade launcher is also available. A comparable M4 configuration weighs 8.85 pounds. The sight
is powered by battery and is controlled by a wireless switch which
can be mounted anywhere on the weapon. The weapon also has an
integral accessories attachment rail which can also mount standard
1913 adapters to carry accessories which are not integrated on the
weapon. The XM8 Light Weight Modular Weapon
System has been proposed as a replacement for the current M16 rifle
and M4 carbine, the standard infantry weapons in today's U.S.
military. In anticipation of such future contracts, General Dynamics
European Land Combat Systems, (a business unit of General Dynamics)
and Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf, Germany, have announced on
January 3rd 2005 the creation of a U.S.-based joint venture company
to manufacture and deliver the 5.56mm XM8 Light Weight Modular
Carbine System to U.S. government customers.
However, after temporarily suspending the RFP for a
new family of weapons for which XM8 was considered a strong
candidate, on October 31, 2005, the program has formally
suspended, "pending further US Army reevaluations of its priorities
for small caliber weapons, and to incorporate emerging requirements
identified during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom. The Government will also incorporate studies looking into
current capability gaps during said reevaluation." |
