- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
XM8
The XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle is a new 5.56mm carbine that forms the basis for a family of weapons to fill multiple roles from a single architecture. The XM8 weapon system incorporates many features requested by soldiers in the field including a high degree of modularity, and integrated sight, improved reliability and a reduced weight over current weapons. A systems engineering approach was taken in designing the XM8, ensuring that all capabilities the soldier requires for combat will be integrated into or fully compatible with the weapon. The XM8's goal is to be 20-30 percent lighter than a similarly configured M4 Modular Weapon System as it is fielded today but with increased lethality when integrated with the Soldier-as-a-System. This effort is also being supplemented by an ammunition science and technology effort to examine the lightweight case materials that could provide even further weight savings for the actual weapon. The modularity of the current weapon design simplifies barrel changes and requires a lower maintenance level compared to current weapons, thus allowing for simple barrel changes without the use of special tools. The XM8's modularity enhances combat capability and allows for mission-specific weapons tailoring. In only 5 minutes, unit commanders can direct their soldiers to reconfigure the weapon system into carbine, compact, sharpshooter or autorifle variants. For the first time, commanders can transform the capabilities of their soldiers to meet specific mission requirements using a single common weapon platform. This means commanders can provide their soldiers with longer ranges or higher volumes of fire capability from organic weapons. Each variant will fire all standard U.S./NATO 5.56mm rounds and provide semiautomatic and fully automatic operations modes.
The XM8 carbine will be the standard individual weapon for riflemen and most unit leaders. The compact variant will be significantly shorter than the XM8 carbine, improving portability and soldier mobility. It could be used for close quarter battle, personal defense and for selected vehicle crewmembers. The sharpshooter variant would support the squad-designated marksman mission. The autorifle will use a high-capacity magazine and a heavy barrel, and will provide a significant weight savings over the current M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, supporting the automatic rileman mission.
Each XM8 variant will have an integrated sight that is factory bore-sighted featuring a reflex sight, and infrared (IR) illuminator, and IR pointer and an integrated backup sight capability. This combines three accessories into a single package.
I can go on if you wish? I have the Objective Force Warrior-Advaned Technology Demonstration right infront of me... I can tell you about the new armor that will be used, weapons, et cetera. To tell you the truth, the pictures that I have... the UNSC O.D.S.T. Soldiers look simlilar to what the armor looks like, but the one to be used in real life will increase a soldier's strength and speed. I can provide the details...
[Edited on 5/14/2004 5:08:30 PM]