Budget uncertainty in the US is unlikely to delay the introduction of the army’s long-awaited smart grenade launcher, industry officials have said.
The XM25 weapon system – which is designed to fire air burst rounds to defeat targets behind cover – is expected to go through its Pre-Production Qualification Test (PPQT) next spring with a Milestone C decision expected in August 2016.
The direct-fire weapon is meant to be shoulder-fired allowing a soldier to use basic rifleman marksmanship skills.
At present, the weapon system is in the second round of contractor validation testing.
Three companies are currently involved
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Ukraine has highlighted the need for howitzers and radars as well as artillery and this commitment from Sweden will help to fill that gap and provide medium-distance fire in a defensive role post-war.
The armoured vehicles are fitted with 12.7mm heavy machine guns and came off the production line with specific Estonian requirements. Only the communications subsystems and some other minor equipment were added to vehicles in Estonia.
The newly disclosed Thales UK Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radio (VMSR) offers full interoperability with the soldier radio variant to provide secure and reliable voice connection.
Full electrification of their land and air vehicles may be beyond modern militaries for now. But how close are they to the tipping point of the widespread use of electric vehicles?
The contract follows news released in 2023 that a first customer had taken into service Pearson Engineering’s new Slice system enabling the interoperability of Front-End Equipment (FEE) between main battle tanks and dedicated engineering vehicles.
When compared to some other wheeled artillery systems Archer has the advantage of quicker deployment and relocation as the complete fire mission is carried out without the crew leaving the protected cab at the front.
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