Post by goomba on Jun 8, 2009 0:41:35 GMT -5
US ARMY UNVEILS TWO LIGHTER, MORE LETHAL WEAPONS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two weapons in development are expected to be more precision-oriented, lighter and lethal: the laser-sighted XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System and the Lightweight .50-Caliber Machine Gun.
The XM-25 will undergo field-testing this summer while the LW50MG is already being tested by Soldiers.
Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir, Va., opened its doors earlier this month to give the media a look at the two weapons and other new gear in development that will lighten a Soldier’s load yet improve survivability, lethality and comfort.
XM25: First shoulder-fired ‘smart’ weapon
The semi-automatic, shoulder-fired XM-25 with a five-round magazine of 25mm dual-warhead ammunition weighs in at about 14 pounds (about the same as an M-16 with a 203 grenade launcher) yet it’s only a few inches longer than an M-4 Carbine with the shoulder stock extended. Decked out in Army Combat Uniform camouflage, its toy weapon appearance belies its expected lethality.
Richard Audette, deputy program manager for Soldier weapons, said the technology behind the XM-25 is a leap ahead because it’s the first smart weapon system with a smart round in small weapons.