This Sickens Me

[Valkyrie]

The M-8 Carbine Series I believe

Comes in a Sharpshooter, short Carbine, even LMG varities I think

[Gunther]

You got it, Valk!




The XM8 Future Combat Rifle is intended to replace existing M4 Carbines and select 5.56mm x45 weapons in the US Army arsenal.

The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and is similar to that rifle in design and functioning. The XM8 will be based on the kinetic energy weapon that is part of the XM29 next-generation infantry weapon system (formerly the Objective Individual Combat Weapon) currently under development by ATK Integrated Defense. The kinetic energy weapon, which fires 5.56mm ammunition, will provide maximum commonality in components and logistics with the XM29 system.

The XM8 will provide lethality performance comparable to the currently fielded M4 carbine rifle, while weighing 20 percent less than the M4 because of advanced technologies developed for the XM29 program. The prototype weighs 6.4 pounds, with an objective weight of 5.7 pounds. PEO claims it takes one third the time to train a Soldier on the XM8 than the current weapon system.

The XM8 is also more reliable. Unlike the current M4 and M16, the XM8 does not introduce propellant gases and the associated carbon fouling back into the weapon’s receiver during firing. This greatly increases the reliability of the XM8, and it reduces cleaning time by as much as 70 percent. PEO says the XM8 can fire 20,000 rounds without stoppages or malfunction. The first XM8 tested fired 15,000 rounds without cleaning or lubrication without a first misfire.

The XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle will reduce the 21st century soldier's load and increase his mobility - two very important aims of the Army's Objective Force Warrior and Land Warrior initiatives. The progress made to reduce weight and improve performance on the XM29 program is key to the decision on accelerating the development of the XM8, which is integrated with the Army's efforts to transform to a more lethal and rapidly deployed fighting force as part of its Objective Force.

[betasoldier]

Hate to break it to you guys, but the XM-8 was dropped by the US Army due to accuracy issues and because, "it was just an updated M-16". Same goes for the Land Warrior system. As I recall Land Warrior has finally been terminated but several key pieces of technology have come out of it and are supposedly being in processed with the troops within the next 5-10 years. I don't recall which pieces though.

EDIT: Looked it up and never mind, the Land Warrior system has not been dropped, but I do remember reading an article with a lot of grumbles from testers of the current system. But only for certain parts. Other parts worked extraordinarily well and those are the parts they want to integrate ASAP.