New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[woohoo]

I just got an email from Jane's Defence Weekly noting that the Army is, again, studying small arms calibers. I quote:

US Army to Study New Small-arms Calibers
The US Army has announced a 'Caliber Configuration Study' to support two new small-arms programmes, designated CLAWS (Combat Lightweight Automatic Weapon System) and LDAM (Lightweight Dismounted Automatic Machinegun). The announcement was made at an NDIA (National Defense Industries Association) conference held in mid-November at the Army's Picatinny Arsenal.

Anybody got more info about this?

John

Guardsman posted this on another site.
"Yesterday a reduced NDIA event was held at Picatinny Arsenal. Given the recent Federal shutdown and budget sequestration, it was a much more limited event than last year. However, there was one extremely important public announcement.

The US Army has initiated a new 'Caliber Configuration Study' to support two new programs:

CLAWS - Combat Lightweight Automatic Weapon System
Envisioned to replace carbine (12"), assault rifle (16"), SDM/ DMR (20") and SAW / LMG (24"), may also include a subcompact weapon. Requirement mandates a modular system reconfigurable by the operator with interchangeable barrel, stock, accessories etc. All within the art of the possible. Caliber TBD from pending CCS caliber study.

LDAM - Lighweight Dismounted Automatic Machinegun
Envisioned to replace the Medium Machine Gun and possibly the HMG (.50 BMG).Something like GD .338 Norma MMG, but caliber again TBD from the CCS caliber study.

This announcement means we will see a proper industry-developed, army-endorsed and government-funded effort to produce what we have been discussing ad infinitum here for years.

My expectation is that the following calibres will be evaluated for CLAWS:

- 6.35 / .250 (6.35 x 43 mm)
- 6.5 / .260 (6.5 x 45 mm)
- 6.86 / .270 (6.86 x 45 mm)
- 7.0 / .280 (7 x 46 mm)

All lead free. All convertible to polymer case options.

For LDAM, the requirement is less well-defined at this stage, but is expected to look at larger calibers along the following lines:

- 8.59 / .338 (8.59 x 70 Lapua or 8.59 x 64 mm Norma)
- 9 /.354 (9 x 90 mm MEN)
- 10.6 / .416 (10.6 x 83 Barrett)

Variety of ammunition types. All convertible to polymer case options.

Expect this to drive our discussions to an entirely different level. The most important potential outcome is that the US may again unilaterally adopt a new and different cartridge to the rest of NATO. A standardisation competition will be held to align non-US alliance members use of it, just as we did with 5.56 x 45 mm. "