03-16-2012, 12:29 AM
Stan's point is well-taken.
The challenge for getting a new design accepted, however, also includes the enormous investment needed to dispassionately search through all the existing options, combine or tweak the desirable features of the best performers, design and prove the case. All this before 'going public.' The public arena (including military Procurement, R&D, etc.) where the real battle and expense is incurred.
We may see a parallel to the 5.56 and 7.62 combination. They are 'good enough' in many eyes.
Should the move to a mid-power LMG round be taken, the Grendel may benefit from the same mindset. It is the best available established cartridge and is 'good enough.'
(I hesitate to LOL at the irony!!)
The challenge for getting a new design accepted, however, also includes the enormous investment needed to dispassionately search through all the existing options, combine or tweak the desirable features of the best performers, design and prove the case. All this before 'going public.' The public arena (including military Procurement, R&D, etc.) where the real battle and expense is incurred.
We may see a parallel to the 5.56 and 7.62 combination. They are 'good enough' in many eyes.
Should the move to a mid-power LMG round be taken, the Grendel may benefit from the same mindset. It is the best available established cartridge and is 'good enough.'
(I hesitate to LOL at the irony!!)