Post by LibrarianBrent on Jul 25, 2005 20:22:26 GMT -5
Intended for the infantry who are in the direct line of battle or 'at the tip of the sword', the OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) is intended to replace the M-16A4 modular weapons. How many weapons will be replaced in each of these frontline squads is under analysis. As the OICW (also known as SABR or "Selectable Assault Battle Rifle") works its way into the force structure, it appears that modular weapons will supplant M-16A2 rifles and M-4 carbines. Because of the large number of these already in the force and because of budget limitations, there will be a coexistence of the various weapons for the foreseeable future, following initial fielding of the OICW.
SABR is a modular weapon system, consisting of the Fire Control System (FCS); a "kinetic energy" component comprised of a short 5.56mm rifle barrel and trigger group from the Heckler & Koch 036 assault rifle; and the grenade launcher consisting of a magazine-fed, semiautomatic 2Omm grenade launcher barrel and an action and recoil absorption mechanism. While the present generation SABR weighs about 18 pounds, the goal for production units is 14 pounds, or about the weight of the current M16/M203 with optical sight. The FCS, along with the 20mm ammunition, is the key to the system's capability. The FCS incorporates a laser rangefinder, 3X day optic, 3X night/thermal imaging optic, TV mode with CCD camera that can double the effective image magnification day or night, and the microprocessing components. The microprocessing component computes the "full ballistic solution" to destroy a designated target and program the system's primary ammunition: 2Omm high explosive fragmentation grenades. Based on the desired effects on target, the operator can program the FCS to detonate grenades in one of four modes: "Bursting" selects an above ground, 3-5m airburst. "Point Detonation" will detonate the grenade when it impacts resistance. "Point Detonation-Delay" briefly delays detonation after impact, enhancing effects on semi-hard targets like car doors or light structures. "Window" commands an airburst at an operator specified range beyond a specific aiming point, enhancing effectiveness against soft targets inside windows or open doors.
SABR is a modular weapon system, consisting of the Fire Control System (FCS); a "kinetic energy" component comprised of a short 5.56mm rifle barrel and trigger group from the Heckler & Koch 036 assault rifle; and the grenade launcher consisting of a magazine-fed, semiautomatic 2Omm grenade launcher barrel and an action and recoil absorption mechanism. While the present generation SABR weighs about 18 pounds, the goal for production units is 14 pounds, or about the weight of the current M16/M203 with optical sight. The FCS, along with the 20mm ammunition, is the key to the system's capability. The FCS incorporates a laser rangefinder, 3X day optic, 3X night/thermal imaging optic, TV mode with CCD camera that can double the effective image magnification day or night, and the microprocessing components. The microprocessing component computes the "full ballistic solution" to destroy a designated target and program the system's primary ammunition: 2Omm high explosive fragmentation grenades. Based on the desired effects on target, the operator can program the FCS to detonate grenades in one of four modes: "Bursting" selects an above ground, 3-5m airburst. "Point Detonation" will detonate the grenade when it impacts resistance. "Point Detonation-Delay" briefly delays detonation after impact, enhancing effects on semi-hard targets like car doors or light structures. "Window" commands an airburst at an operator specified range beyond a specific aiming point, enhancing effectiveness against soft targets inside windows or open doors.
