Stiglitz: "The Mauritius miracle"

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XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle

Type: Assault rifle
Place of origin: Germany, United States
Production history
Designed: 2002
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Produced: 2003–2004 (prototypes only)
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Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity: 920 m/s
Feed system: 30-round detachable box magazine, 100-round C-Mag drum magazine
Sights: Unmagnified reflex sight (4x for DMR variant)

The US Army's purpose in contracting for this prototype weapon was to provide replacement options for the venerable M16 rifle after the XM29 program ran into problems. The Army's goal was a weapon that was cheaper, lighter, and more effective than the M16 and M4 Carbine series of weapons. The XM8 was not just one weapon, but a system which could be reconfigured with appropriate parts to be any one of several variants from a short-barreled personal defense weapon to a bipod-equipped support weapon. It also included an integrated optical sight and IR laser aiming module/illuminator.

The XM8 was based on the kinetic energy module of Alliant Techsystems's XM29 OICW project, of which the weapon mechanisms were the responsibility of H&K. Following the indefinite delay of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon program, the U.S. Army requested that the contractors design stand-alone weapons from the XM29's kinetic energy and high explosive modules.

The first 30 XM8 prototypes were delivered by November 2003 for preliminary testing. Later, at least 200 developmental prototypes were procured. Among the complaints during testing were too low a battery life for the weapon's powered sight system and some ergonomics issues. Two other key issues were reducing the weapon's weight and increasing the heat resistance of the hand guard, which would start to melt after firing too many rounds. The main testing was largely completed, and the Army pushed for funding for a large field test. However, in 2004 Congress denied $26 million funding for 7,000 rifles to do a wide scale test fielding of the XM8 in 2005. At the time the rifle still had developmental goals that were incomplete, primarily associated with the weapon's weight; the battery life had been extended, and a more heat-resistant plastic hand-guard added. The earliest product brochure lists the target weight for the carbine variant at 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) with the then current prototype at 6.2 lb (2.8 kg). The weight of the carbine prototype had since grown to 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) according to a brochure released by HK and General Dynamics in January 2005.

During the same period, the Army came under pressure from other arms makers to open up the XM8 to competition. The main argument was that the weapon that was being adopted was a substantially different system than for the original competition that ATK and H&K had actually won (see XM29). Other issues were that the Army has a legislated obligation to prefer U.S.-based manufacturers, and that a previous agreement with Colt Defense required the Army to involve Colt in certain small-arms programs. The XM8 program was put on hold by the Army in 2004. The exact reason why this happened is a matter of debate; some combination of the aforementioned technical issues, funding restrictions, and outside pressure being involved.
In 2005, the Army issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for the OICW Increment One family of weapons. This RFP gave manufacturers six months to develop and deliver prototype weapons with requirements very similar to the XM8 capabilities, but with the addition of a squad automatic weapon (SAW) configuration. Currently, no XM8 prototypes have been shown that actually match the capabilities of the M249 (e.g. fast barrel replacement, high sustained rate of fire, belt feed). The OICW Increment One requirement for the SAW includes fast barrel replacement and high sustained rate of fire, but leaves the ammunition feed choice up to the manufacturer.

Funding for the XM320 grenade launcher, which is a single-shot under-barrel grenade launcher similar to the M203 that was originally intended for the XM8, was approved. The launcher is actually heavier than the M203, but does offer some advantages. The XM320 was designed for use with the existing inventory of M16s and M4s and is also compatible with the XM8. It can also be used as a stand-alone weapon.

As of July 19, 2005, the OICW Increment One RFP was put on an eight-week hold, with an indication given that the program was being restructured as a joint procurement program including the Army and unnamed other branches. On October 31, 2005, the OICW Increment One RFP was canceled until further notice.

In an article in Jane's Defence Weekly, April 26 2006 (Vol 43, page 30) we learn that "The US Army has again delayed the procurement of its future infantry weapons, this time for more than five years, and is working to field two interim guns in the meantime."

Technical characteristics and variants

For much of its life, four different models were proposed: a compact PDW (personal defense weapon) with a 9.5 inch (241 mm) barrel, a carbine with a 12.5 inch (318 mm) barrel, and sniper and automatic rifle variants with 20 inch (508 mm) barrels. In addition, accessories such as optical sights, a grenade launcher, and a bipod were integrated using a new system which allows for precision attachment (so that, for example, scopes do not have to be readjusted each time they are attached). Like the M4 and M16, the XM8 was chambered for the standard 5.56 mm NATO round and was normally equipped with a 30-round plastic box magazine. However, this magazine was not compatible with M4 and M16's metal STANAG magazine. A 100-round dual drum Beta C-Mag style magazine would have been used, as well.
One of the XM8's unique features was its modularity. In addition to attachments mentioned above, this modularity allowed for quick repairs, barrel length changes, and even caliber changes in the field. Along with its basic components, the XM8 would have complemented the XM29, with such features as identical accessory mounts.

The number and type of variants in the family varied over its lifetime, this overview with three main versions is based from a press release in the early 2000s.

XM8 Carbine with XM320 grenade launcher

XM8 Compact Carbine: 9 in (229 mm) barrel, PDW configuration, folding stock or buttcap.

Automatic Rifle / Designated Marksmen: heavy 20 in (508 mm) barrel, integrated folding bipod, 4X sight, 30/100 round magazine
Materials and Weight
The materials used to build the XM8 are almost entirely composites — with the notable exception of the cold hammer forged steel barrel. Preliminary tests in desert and Arctic conditions have shown XM8 to be a rugged weapon, though some complaints arose. It is reported to be capable of firing 15,000 rounds without cleaning or lubrication and up to 20,000 rounds before barrel replacement. The M16A2 needs to be cleaned often, and has a barrel life of approximately 7,000–8,000 rounds.

Much of the cost and weight savings, not all of which have actually been achieved in the current prototypes, are from the weapon's electronic sight. The sight is much more than a 1.5x red dot scope, including IR lasers and pointers as well. The baseline XM8 carbine (with its integrated sight), for example, can be compared to an M4 carbine with a host of previous-generation electronic add-ons like the AN/PEQ-2, M68 CCO, ACOG, and/or BUIS. Without the advantage of the next-generation combined electronics sight, the XM8 would be both heavier and more expensive than the firearms it is intended to replace. The XM320 grenade launcher intended to be used with the current M4/M16 firearms as well as the XM8 family, is heavier than the M203, but does include feature enhancements.
PCAP and MIL-STD-1913
XM8 abandons the standard MIL-STD-1913, for attachment of weapon accessories, in favor of a new standard referred to as PCAP (Picatinny Combat Attachment Points), small oval holes on the forward grip. (A variant was designed with MIL-STD-1913 rails — XM8 R — and some early XM8 prototypes had rails.) PCAP is not backwards compatible with currently fielded attachments that use MIL-STD-1913 rails without using an adapter. The benefit of PCAP, however, is the precision of the accessory's connection with the body of the weapon; accessories utilizing MIL-STD-1913 rails often need adjustment if they are removed and reattached. Additionally, most standard accessory functionality is built-in to the XM8. Where functionality was missing, it was anticipated that accessories would be redesigned to utilize PCAP. In the new OICW Increment One competition, the Army has left the choice of attachment technology up to the manufacturer, with requirements built into the RFP as to the ability of sights to maintain their zero.

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Weapons Invented by Different Countries

List of modern weapons by countryAustria
Glock series of semi-automatic pistols
Steyr M series of semi-automatic pistols
Steyr AUG assault rifle
Steyr Scout sniper rifle
Steyr TMP submachine gun
Steyr MPi 69 submachine gun.
Steyr HS .50 .50 BMG bolt-action rifle

Brazil
Boito shotguns and rifles
CBC shotguns and rifles
Imbel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMBEL_MD2
Rossi shotguns, rifles and revolvers
Taurus submachines, semi-automatic pistols and revolvers

Belgium
Fabrique Nationale Five-seveN semi-automatic pistol
FN FAL battle rifle
FN FNC assault rifle
FN MAG general purpose machine gun
FN P90 submachine gun
FN SCAR assault rifle
FN P35 "Hi-Power" semi-automatic pistol

Canada
Diemaco C7 assault rifle derivative of the M16
Diemeco C8 assault rifle derivative of the M4
Para-Ordnance Hi-Cap semi-automatic pistol, double stack variant of the M1911
Para-Ordnance LDA semi-automatic pistol, double action pistol based on the M1911
Para-Ordnance Hawg semi-automatic pistol, Micro-compact variant of the M1911
PGWDTI Timberwolf Tactical rifle (.338 Lapua Magnum and .408 Chey Tac chamberings)

China
Norinco QBZ-95 5.8 mm assault rifle with bullpup design
Norinco Type 88 Sniper rifle version of the QBZ-95
Norinco Type 87 5.8 mm assault rifle

Croatia
HS 2000 9 mm semi-automatic pistol

Finland
Valmet Rk 62

France
Alsetex 410 less lethal grenade
FAMAS assault rifle
Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20 mm autocannon
Hispano-Suiza HS.804 20 mm autocannon
Hispano-Suiza HS.820 20 mm autocannon
F1 20 mm autocannon

Germany
Heckler & Koch G3 7.62 mm battle rifle
Heckler & Koch G36 5.56 mm assault rifle
Heckler & Koch MP5 9 mm submachine gun
Heckler & Koch MP7 submachine gun
Heckler & Koch USP Series of semi-automatic pistols
Mauser BK-27 27 mm autocannon
Mauser MK 30F 30 mm autocannon
Rheinmetall Rh202 20 mm autocannon

Greece
EBO Aris IV anti-tank rocket system
EBO Kefefs sniper rifle

India
INSAS 5.56 mm assault rifle

Israel
Galil assault rifle
Israeli Military Industries Desert Eagle semi-automatic pistol
Israeli Military Industries Jericho 941 semi-automatic pistol (aka Uzi Eagle, Baby Eagle)
Israeli Military Industries Negev light machine gun
Israeli Military Industries Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle
Uzi submachine gun

Italy
Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun
Beretta 92F/FS (M9) 9 mm semi-automatic pistol
Breda 35 20 mm automatic cannon

Poland
MAG95 - 9 mm semi-automatic pistol
WIST-94 - 9 mm semi-automatic pistol
Glauberyt wz.84 - 9 mm submachine gun
Tantal wz. 1988 - 5,45 mm assault rifle
Beryl wz.96 - 5,56 mm assault rifle
Karabinek maszynowy wz.2003 - 5.56 mm light machine gun
UKM-2000 - 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun
Alex - 7.62 mm sniper rifle
Tor - 12.7 mm sniper rifle

Philippines
MSSR - 5.56 mm semi-automatic sniper rifle

Russia and the Soviet Union
2A42 30 mm autocannon
AK-47 7.62 mm assault rifle produced and used worldwide
AK-74 5.45 mm assault rifle used as standard assault rifle of the Russian military
AN-94 5.45 mm assault rifle planned to replace the AK-74 in service
AS-94 5.45-39.5 mm Gas Operated Assault Rifle
AS Val 9 mm special purpose assault rifle
Bizon submachine gun
Dragunov SVD sniper rifle
VSSK Vykhlop special purpose silenced 12.7 mm sniper rifle
KSVK 12.7 mm anti-materiel sniper rifle
VSS Vintorez 9 mm silenced sniper rifle
Makarov PM 9 mm semi-automatic pistol
APS Stechkin 9 mm machine pistol
RPK 7.62 mm squad automatic weapon
RPK-74 5.45 mm squad automatic weapon
SKS semi-automatic rifle
DShK 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
Kord 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
NSV 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
KPV 14.5 mm heavy machine gun
RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher
9K38 Igla surface-to-air missile
PK machine gun

Singapore
Matador light antitank rocket launcher
SAR-21 assault rifle
Ultimax 100 section automatic weapon

South Africa
NeoStead 2000 shotgun
R1 7,62mm assault rifle, licensed copy of the FN FAL
Vektor R4 5,56mm assault rifle, a licensed copy of the Israeli Galil
Vektor R5 assault rifle, a shorter R4, similar to the Galil SAR
Vektor R6 assault rifle, a shorter R4, similar to the Galil MAR

Switzerland
Oerlikon KAA 20 mm autocannon
Oerlikon KAB 20 mm autocannon
Oerlikon KBA 25 mm autocannon
Oerlikon KDF 35 mm autocannon

United Kingdom
ADEN 25 25 mm autocannon
ADEN Mk 4 30 mm autocannon
L96 sniper rifle
Lee Enfield rifle
SA80 family of infantry rifles

United States
Barrett M82 semi-automatic sniper rifle
BGM-71 TOW heavy anti-tank guided missile
Bushmaster II 30 mm / 40 mm chain gun
Bushmaster III 35 mm / 50 mm chain gun
Colt Mk 12 20 mm autocannon
Colt Model 1900 semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1902 Sporting semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1902 Military semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1905 Military semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1907 Military semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1909 semi-automatic pistol
Colt Model 1910 semi-automatic pistol
DSA SA58 semi-automatic rifle, (American commercial derivative of the FN FAL)
Colt Model 1911 (1911A1) .45 cal. semi-automatic pistol
Dragon light anti-tank guided missile
Dragon Fire heavy automated mortar (under development as of 2006)
FIM-92 Stinger shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile
FGM-148 Javelin shoulder-launched anti-tank missile
M4 assault carbine
M14 7.62 mm battle rifle used as standard issue for the United States through the 1960s
M16 5.56 mm assault rifle used as current standard rifle of the United States and many other nations
M24 Sniper Weapon System
M39 20 mm autocannon
M168 Vulcan 6-barrel 20 mm Gatling gun
M40A1 7.62 mm sniper rifle
M40 sniper rifle
M47 Dragon light anti-tank guided missile
M60 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun
M60E3 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun
M61 Vulcan 6-barrel 20 mm Gatling gun
M79 grenade launcher
M230 30 mm chain gun
M238 30 mm autocannon
M240 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun (not US design - based on Belgium FN MAG)
M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun
M249 5.56 mm light machine gun (not US design - based on Belgium FN Minimi)
M252 81 mm mortar
M270 rocket artillery system
M1911 .45 cal. semi-automatic pistol
Pancor Jackhammer automatic shotgun
Remington Model 700 series bolt-action rifle
Remington Model 710 series bolt-action rifle
Remington Model 7600 series pump-action rifles and carbines
Remington Model 870 series pump-action shotguns
Remington Model 11-87 series semi-automatic shotguns
Remington Model 7400 series semi-automatic rifles
Ruger BlackHawk revolver
Ruger 480 Super Redhawk revolver
Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)
Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver
XM84 less lethal grenade

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History of weapons

A weapon is a tool employed to injure, defeat, or destroy an adversary.[1][2] Weapons may be used to attack and defend, and consequently also to threaten or protect. Metaphorically, anything used to damage (even psychologically) can be referred to as a weapon. A weapon can be as simple as a club or as complex as an intercontinental ballistic missile.

A weapon is an object that is used to increase the destructive range or power of a human and hunt for animals. From the earliest traces of mankind up to modern civilization, weapons have been a facet of human development. Weapons development has accelerated along with other areas of technology in more modern times. In ancient times, from the dawn of humanity through the Classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, weapons were primarily extensions of an individual's strength, essentially making up for the human body's lack of natural weapons such as claws. These weapons allowed the bearer to be substantially more deadly and lethal than a similar human without such a weapon. Although many weapons made in modern times were steel, wood ones were also very common.

The Medieval period, including the Middle Ages, marked a period of distinct advancement in weaponry. Due to some of the unique influences of the period, weapons revolved around two major areas. First was that of knights. These horsemen required new weapons, as well as promoting development of weapons to defeat them. Second was that of castles. The building of castles on a large scale necessitated new weapons to help defend and attack them.

The Renaissance marked the beginning of the implementation of combustion based devices in warfare. The most long-lasting effect of this was the introduction of cannon and firearms to the battlefield, where they are still at the core of modern weaponry. However, many other machines of war were experimented with.

From the American Revolution through the beginning of the 20th century, human-powered weapons were finally excluded from the battlefield for the most part. Sometimes referred to as the "Age of Rifles", this period was characterized by the development of firearms for infantry and cannons for support, as well as the beginnings of mechanized weapons such as the machine gun.

World War I marked the entry of fully industrialized warfare, and weapons were developed quickly to meet wartime needs. Many new technologies were developed, particularly in the development of military aircraft and vehicles. World War II however, perhaps marked the most frantic period of weapons development in the history of humanity. Massive numbers of new designs and concepts were fielded, and all existing technologies were improved between 1939 and 1945. Ultimately, the most powerful of all invented weapons was the Hydrogen bomb.

After World War II, with the onset of the Cold War, the constant technological development of new weapons was institutionalized, as participants engaged in a constant race to develop weapons and counter-weapons. This constant state of weapons development continues into the modern era, and remains a constant draw on the resources of most nations.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapons

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Combustion-Powered Weapons

Firearms are qualitatively different from earlier weapons because they store energy in a combustible propellant such as gunpowder, rather than in a weight or spring. This energy is released quite rapidly, and can be restored without much effort by the user, so that even early firearms such as the arquebus were much more powerful than human-powered weapons. They became increasingly important and effective during the 16th century to 19th century, with progressive improvements in ignition mechanisms followed by revolutionary changes in ammunition handling and propellant. During the U.S. Civil War various technologies including the machine gun and ironclad warship emerged that would be recognizable and useful military weapons today, particularly in lower-technology conflicts. In the 19th century warship propulsion changed from sail power to fossil fuel-powered steam engines.

The age of edged weapons ended abruptly just before World War I with rifled artillery, such as howitzers which are able to destroy any masonry fortress. This single invention caused a revolution in military affairs and doctrines that continues to this day. See Technology during World War I for a detailed discussion.

An important feature of industrial age warfare was technological escalation - an innovation could, and would, be rapidly matched by copying it, and often with yet another innovation to counter it. The technological escalation during World War I was profound, producing armed aircraft and tanks.

This continued in the period between the end of that war and the next, with continuous improvements of all weapons by all major powers. Many modern military weapons, particularly ground-based ones, are relatively minor improvements on those of World War II. See military technology during World War II for a detailed discussion.

The most notable development in weaponry since World War II has been the combination and further development of two weapons first used in it—nuclear weapons and the ballistic missile, leading to its ultimate configuration: the ICBM. The mutual possession of these by the United States and the Soviet Union ensured that either nation could inflict terrible damage on the other; so terrible, in fact, that neither nation was willing to instigate direct, all-out war with the other (a phenomenon known as Mutually Assured Destruction). The indiscriminate nature of the destruction has made nuclear-tipped missiles essentially useless for the smaller wars fought since. However computer-guided weaponry of all kinds, from precision-guided munitions (or "smart bombs") to computer-aimed tank rounds, has greatly increased weaponry's accuracy.

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List of Weapons According to its Type

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Welcome to Military Future Weapons

This is an introduction to the site "MILITARY FUTURE WEAPONS". Here you can have a better view and a bigger picture on the future when talking about weapons. Many took these scenario forgranted. But if I'm you, I will start expecting BIG on the word future, especially when it comes to weapons.
Many wars have happened. With that, experiences of every past wars were carefully studied inorder to correct some mistakes and further improve the military weapons. Different countries were and are still conducting lots of extensive researches, just to have the very best weapons that will be provided for their armies.
MILITARY FUTURE WEAPONS will reveal to you the result of that researches. In here you can learn and know the weapons they consider as the future weapons. Weaponry, guns, rifles, pistols, you name it. It maybe by country, like US military weapons, Iraq infantry, or Iran weapons. And it is not just limited to hand held weapons, military vehicles are also considered as weapons - it may be on land, air, or sea. Battle tanks, combat planes, or gunships. All of it! As long as it has to do with the future of military weapons.
Well, eventhough this site shows you the difference between the weapons dated many years ago and weapons considered as the future weapons. With all that weapons, they still share the same thing. They all hurt and kill.

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