The 5.56 x 45mm - 2007 - A Chronology of Development (Part 18) - By Daniel Watters

8/13/2019 The 5.56 x 45mm - 2007 - A Chronology of Development (Part 18) - By Daniel Watters

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The Gunperson's Authoritative Internet Information Resource.

Part Eighteen...

The 5.56 X 45mm: 2007

A Chronology of Development by Daniel Watters

2007...

Mexico imports 76 M4 Commando.

Brunei imports 50 ST Kinetics SAR-21 and 26 SAR-21 MMS.

Colombia exports three Micro Galil to Israel.

Croatia imports 185 HK G36 and nine G36C.

The Republic of Georgia acquires 4,000 Bushmaster M4A3.

Greece returns six each of M16 rifles and M4 carbines to the US.

Indonesia acquires 2,000 Pindad SS1-M and 150 SS2-V4.

Indonesia imports 210 Daewoo K2.

Mexico imports 2,605 HK G36V, 2,020 Beretta SC70/90, four FN

F2000, and 152 Minimi.

The Netherlands imports 300 FN Minimi.

Poland imports 368 HK 416.

Slovakia imports one HK G36A1, three G36KV, and two MG4.

Slovenia imports 1,700 FN F2000.

Turkey imports 10 M16.

Remington introduces the .17 Fireball. Similar to Vern O'Brien'swildcat .17 Mach IV and Mach III from 40 years earlier, the cartridgeis based on the .221 Fireball case necked down to .17 caliber.

Mexico imports 20 FN P90.

Poland imports seven FN P90.

TGZis hosted byTCMi

Links 'n' StuffThe Gun Zone

5.56mm 'Prologue'

5.56mm 1957-1962

5.56mm 1963-1964

5.56mm 1965-1966

5.56mm 1967

5.56mm 1968-1969

5.56mm 1970-1973

5.56mm 1974-1979

5.56mm 1980-1985

5.56mm 1986-1989

5.56mm 1990-1994

5.56mm 1995-1999

5.56mm 2000-2001

5.56mm 2002-2003

5.56mm 2004

5.56mm 2005

5.56mm 2006

5.56mm 2007

5.56mm 2008

5.56mm 2009

5.56mm Propellant

5.56mm FAQ - v1.14

5.56mm v. .223 Rem

Flchette / SPIW

Multiplex / SALVO

Green Ammo

T G Z B l o g

Daniel Watters' suggested
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Croatia imports 20 HK AG36.

New Zealand imports 10 M203PI.

Poland imports 120 HK AG416.

Beretta fields the GRX160 grenade launcher.

January: US Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) releases"Baseline Reliability and Dust Assessment for the M4, M16,and M249." Testing indicates that the weapons performsignificantly better when the bolt and bolt carrier are heavilylubricated. Out of the 60,000 rounds fired in each phase, the M4'sstoppages dropped from 9,836 with light lubrication to 678 withheavy lubrication. The M16A4 stoppages dropped from 2,124 withlight lubrication to 507 with heavy lubrication.

NSWC-Crane awards a $73,500 delivery order to Colt for M4A1.

TACOM awards a $2,327,788.50 delivery order to Colt for 1,475 M4and 454 M4A1. These are for the US Army and US Navyrespectively.

US Army Sustainment Command awards a $77,665,731.62 deliveryorder to General Dynamics for production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and.50 caliber ammunition.

NSWC-Crane issues a solicitation for $2,511,250 to $46,900,000worth of 5.56mm frangible ammunition.

NSWC-Crane awards a $370,638 delivery order to ATK for 5.56mmammunition.

NAVICP awards, then deallocates, $29,000 from a contract to BlackHills Ammunition for 5.56mm cartridges. This is followed by theaward of a $290,000 contract for the same.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to HK for 145 HK 416 with10" barrels and accessories. These are for the Defense Intelligence

Agency (Joint Field Support Command).

TACOM awards a $16,633,698 delivery order to KAC for variousMWS parts including 30,000 M4 RAS and 32,000 Vertical PistolGrips.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 9,000 to 75,000 M249 ImprovedBipods.

NSWC-Crane awards a $2,544 contract to Okay Industries formagazines.

syllabusThe Black Rifleby R. Blake

Stevens and Edward C. Ezell.

Second Edition.Collector Grade

Publications,Toronto, Ontario,

1992.

The Great Rifle Controversyby

Edward C. Ezell. Stackpole BooksHarrisburg, PA, 1984.

The M16 Controversiesby

Thomas L. McNaugher. Praeger

Publishers, New York, NY, 1984.

The History and Development of

the M16 Rifle and its Cartridge

by David R. Hughes. Armory

Publications, Oceanside, CA,

1990.

The SPIW: The Deadliest

Weapon that Never Wasby R.

Blake Stevens and Edward C.

Ezell.Collector Grade

Publications,Toronto, Ontario,

1985.

Black Rifle II: The M16 into the

21st Centuryby Christopher R.

Bartocci.Collector Grade

Publications,Cobourg, Ontario,

2004.

The Last Enfield - SA80: The

Reluctant Rifleby Steve Raw.

Collector Grade Publications,

Cobourg, Ontario, 2003.

More by Daniel...Other of Watters' learned works-in

progress for TGZincludeA Brief

History of Flchette and Project

SPIW,as well as.30 Carbine

WildcatsandMiniguns and the

Movies.

Valued E-mail UtilityAll E-mail to TGZis screened by

MailWasher Profor spam and

viruses. For a free trial download,

clickhere.Stop unwanted E-mail

before it reaches your machine.

Strongest recommendation.

Document HistoryPublication: 12/10/1998Last Revised: 05/17/2009
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NSWC-Crane awards a $284,406 delivery order to Trijicon forTA01M4A1 ACOG.

NSWC-Crane awards a $87,000 contract to HK for coatedmagazines.

On behalf of MCLC Albany, NSWC-Crane awards a $22,838 contractto Simunition for FX M16A2 Rifles.

NAVICP awards $33,840 and $834,720 delivery orders to KAC forsound suppressors.

NAVICP awards a $105,100 delivery order to KAC for BUIS.

NAVICP awards a $150,800 delivery order to Insight Technology forinfrared illuminators.

NAVICP awards a $59,600 delivery order to Aimpoint for reflexsights.

ARMS, Inc.'s Richard E. Swan receivesUS Patent #RE39,465 titled"Modular sleeve yoke."

On behalf of the US Army, Michael Heayn, Christopher M. Shaffer,Dean M. Mohamed, Kenneth R. Jones, and Richard Beckman receiveUS Patent #7,162,822 titled "Collapsible buttstock for firearm."

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB - 12thContracting Office awards a $8,438 contract to KAC for M4 RAS.

ACA-Fort Riley issues a solicitation for 800 Wilson Combat Rear Flip-Up Sights - Model RS-WF.

USPFO for Pennsylvania awards a $3,259 contract to Owyhee CapitalCorp. for M16A4 Slings.

February: The SCAR and EGLM enter LRIP Acceptance Testing.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 6,857 to 58,500 M16A4. Thequantities are then changed to 15,998 to 136,500 M16A4.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to FN Manufacturing for

24,917 M16A4. This is later modified to allow for a limitedcompetition between samples from Colt and FN Manufacturing.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Colt for 43,000 M4 and2,010 M4A1.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Soldier Weapons, issues a sources-soughtnotice for potential sources for fabrication and delivery of 3,419 to20,001 M249.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=7162822http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=7162822http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=7162822http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=RE39465


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TACOM issues a solicitation for 2,304 commercial 5.56mm Carbineswith the same or equivalent operating characteristics andcapabilities as the standard M4/M4A1. This includes a removablecarrying handle, telescoping butt stock (minimum of four adjustablepositions), and three round burst and/or full automatic firing modes.Each carbine shall be supplied with one sling, one blank firingadapter, and a minimum of one 30 round magazine. The carbinemust be capable of accepting and firing all non-linked U.S standard5.56mm ball (M193/M855), tracer (M196/M865), armor piercing(M995), and blank (M200) ammunition. A rail mounted back up ironsight and an adapter rail system (ARS) equivalent or identical to theM4 RAS shall be offered as options, one per weapon. In addition, thesolicitation includes 13,824 thirty round magazines. The magazinesshall be M16/AR-15 family compatible and be capable ofdisassembly without tools to allow cleaning. The magazines may besupplied with MOLLE type pouches and multiple magazine holders asoptions. The solicitation includes a 200 percent option on all of theitems requested.

Colt's Paul Hochstrate, Laurance Robbins, and Arthur F. Daigle file apatent application for a gas piston M4 with a monolithic upperreceiver.

NAVICP awards a $9,999.78 contract to Black Hills Ammunition for5.56mm cartridges.

Representatives of HK and the Mexican National Defense Secretariat(Sedena), including General Alfredo Oropeza Garnicia, meet inMexico City to discuss the issue of the FX-05's design. After anexhibition and inspection of the rifle, HK representatives determinethat the FX-05 is not a copy of the G36V. Construction of the FX-05resumes.

India is scheduled to receive the first batch of 3,070 IWI Tavor riflesordered for its Special Forces.

TACOM awards a $5,010 contract to KAC for five apiece of M4QDSS-NT4 suppressor kits and M203 Rail Grabber Sights. These arefor FMS to Japan.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to LMT for 700 rearsights.

NSWC-Crane awards a $16,882 contract to Wilcox Industries forAimpoint mounts.

NSWC-Crane awards a $53,935 contract to LMT for Rear Sights.

NSWC-Crane awards a $6,854,694 delivery order to CanadianCommercial Corp. for ELCAN SU-230/PVS ECOS-C.

NSWC-Crane awards a $10,472,712 delivery order to Insight


5/38

Technology for SU-232/PAS CNVD-T.

On behalf of MARCORSYSCOM, NSWC-Crane awards a $3,200,466delivery order to EOTech for SU-231/PEQ ECOS-CQB.

The MCWL issues a solicitation for 50 M4/M16 bolt conversion kits,14 M249 conversion kits, and 5.56mm marking cartridges (8,000red - clipped, 28,000 blue - clipped, 3,200 red - linked, and 4,000blue - linked). These are for the Combat Hunter Program.

MARCORSYSCOM PM-Ammunition issues a sole-source solicitationfor Blue and Red FX Marking Cartridges (DODIC: AA21 and AA12).

MARCORSYSCOM's Infantry Weapons Systems (IWS), Optics andNon-lethal Systems (ONS) issues a sources-sought notice for aIndividual Weapon Night Sight Image Intensified (IWNS I2). TheIWNS I2 is an individual imaging device capable of acquiring targetsat night with an 80 percent probability of recognition when used inconjunction with the RCO variants. The IWNS I2 shall be mounted

on all versions of M16 and M4 series weapons equipped with integralMIL-STD-1913 rail systems.

TACOM issues open solicitations for M4 RAS, M5 RAS, and otherMWS parts. The Army has rights to KAC's TDP for these items.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 6,000 to 60,000 M249 ImprovedCollapsible Buttstocks.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Individual Weapons, issues a sources-sought notice for multiple sources/vendors capable of producing sixcommercial items that are components in the Close Quarters BattleKit (CQB Kit) used with the M16 and M4. The kit will consist of thefollowing items:

1. M16/M4 Improved Cleaning Kit;

2. Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) Bipod;

3. Multiple Magazine Holder capable of holding two standard30 round M16 magazines;

4. Forward Rail Bracket (bottom-mounting rail configured toMIL-STD-1913);

5. Bipod/Forward Grip; and

6. Tactical Sling.

RDECOM issues a solicitation for 5,000 to 144,000 Thermal WeaponSights (TWS). This will include Light Weapon Thermal Sights(LWTS), Medium Weapon Thermal Sights (MWTS), Heavy WeaponThermal Sights (HWTS), associated spares, and associated ThermalImaging Modules (TIM).

Aberdeen awards a $1,488,864 contract to D&H Industries Inc. for


6/38

M16 magazines.

NAVICP awards a $46,729 delivery order to Trijicon for telescopicsights.



NAVICP awards a $25,200 delivery order to Surefire for flashlights.

ACA-Fort Carson issues a solicitation for 270 M4 and 272 M9 nightsights.

ACA-Fort Riley awards a $78,000 contract to Wilson Combat for RearFlip-Up Sights - Model RS-WF.

USAF Air Mobility Command, 305th CONS - McGuire AFB issues a

solicitation for Simunition FX marking cartridges.

The XM320 CPD is approved.

Picatinny awards $46,545 to HK for XM320 Provisioning Training andInstructor & Key Personnel Training (I&KPT).

Picatinny awards a $5,193,705 contract modification to ATK for theIndividual HEAB Weapon System Technology Development (TD)

project.

HK's Wilhelm Fischbach and Robert Knpfle receiveUS Patent#7,181,881 titled "Methods and apparatus to lock a dust cover in afirearm housing."

TACOM awards a $508,860 delivery order to Airtronic Services Inc.for 514 M203. These are for FMS to the Philippines.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to LMT for 30 M203with 9" barrels, 150 M203 9" barrel assemblies, and 120 rear sights.

MARCORSYSCOM issues a sources-sought notice for COTS non-lethalprojectile ammunition (12 gauge and 40x46mm) and hand grenade

variants.

March: TACOM awards a $1,957,973.16 delivery order to Colt for2,211 M4. These are for FMS to Iraq. Later, TACOM awards a$82,357.08 delivery order to Colt for 93 M4. These are also for FMSto Iraq.

TACOM awards a $10,652,058 contract to Colt for 13,619 M16A4.These are for FMS to Iraq.
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7/38

TACOM awards a contract to FN Manufacturing for an undisclosednumber of M16A4. These are also for FMS.

NSWC-Crane awards a $1,004,578 delivery order to FNManufacturing for the conversion of Mk 46 Mod 0 to the latest Mk 46Mod 1 configuration.

The military specification for the M249 SAW, MIL-M70446A(AR), isrevised to MIL-DTL-0070446B(AR).

TACOM cancels its February 2007 solicitation for commercial5.56mm carbines.

USASOC, Fort Bragg issues a solicitation for 100,000 5.56mmcartridges using the 69gr Sierra MatchKing bullet. Later, thesolicitation is modified to specify muzzle velocity of 3,000fps.

The military specification for the M232 Dummy Cartridge, MIL-D-60254A(AR), is reinstated.

USAF Pacific Air Forces, 18th CONS - Kadena AB, on behalf of the1st Battalion, 1st SFG, issues a solicitation for 84 HK 416 upperreceiver kits with 10" barrels, 84 sight sets, ten spare 10" barrels,and related tools.

TACOM awards a $5,411,132.32 contract to Bushmaster for 4,500rifles with 20" barrels, 1,000 carbines with 11.5" barrels, and 8,00030 round magazines. These are for FMS to Oman.

Jane's announces that Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) hasdeveloped a new 5.56mm rifle, the PK-8. Fifty have been orderedfor evaluation. The PK-8 is said to have "multiple partscommonality" with the HK G3, which is currently the Pakistani

Army's primary infantry rifle and produced under license by POF.

USPFO for Louisiana awards a $8,769 contract to Ranger Joe'sInternational for M16 replicas.


Picatinny awards a $1,792,700 contract modification to Grip PodSystems for 18,200 forward grip/bipods.

NSWC-Crane awards a $115,833 delivery order to Daniel Defensefor RIS-II.

NSWC-Crane awards a $2,343,285 delivery order to Trijicon forTA01M4A1 ACOG, MRD, and MRD mounts.

NSWC-Crane awards $2,194.20 and $2,461.32 delivery orders toCanadian Commercial Corp. for ELCAN SU-230/PVS ECOS-C.


8/38

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to KAC for 100 RISwith Forward Hand Grips and 32 Dummy NT-4 Sound Suppressors.The latter are for public displays of SOPMOD accessories.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to Insight Technologiesfor 781 additional CNVD-T.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to HK for 10,000 steelmagazines with maritime finish.

TACOM awards a $200,221.80 delivery order to PolymerTechnologies for 9,330 M249 100 Round Soft Pack Magazines.

USSOCOM issues a solicitation for 50 each of Aimpoint's Micro T-1and CompM4 sights.

MARCORSYSCOM Infantry Weapons Systems (IWS), Optics andNon-Lethal Systems (ONS) issues a sole-source solicitation to L-3Communications EOTech for 4,200 EOTech 533.A6 Holographic

Weapons Sights (HWS).

MARCORSYSCOM awards a $43,513 delivery order to Simunition for5.56mm FX Ammunition.

On behalf of Wilson Combat, Doug Olson files a patent applicationfor single-piece, bridged extractor spring for improved bolt designsthat use two extractor springs.

HK's Jrgen Gablowski and Wolfgang Bantle receiveUS Patent#7,191,557 titled "Firearms, grips for firearms, and methods forusing the same."

US Army Contracting Command Korea (USACCK) awards a $3,735contract to Fire Force Tactical Gear for 300 M16 slings.

ACA-Fort Riley issues a solicitation for 15 each Fobus M16 PicatinnyRail Handguard Sets, Fobus M16 Ergonomic Forward Grips, andEOTech 552, along with other assorted gear. These are for SecurityForces Training and Reaction Team use.

ACA-Fort Sill awards a $4,581 contract to Fire Force Tactical Gearfor M16 Tactical Weapon Slings.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Tyndall AFB issues asolicitation for 60 KAC PAQ-4B Mount Assemblies, 20 KAC VerticalPistol Grips, and a large number of KAC rail cover panels.

USAF Special Operations Command, 16th CONS - Hurlburt Fieldawards a $3,694 contract to Simunition for M4 FX Conversion KitBolts.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Columbus AFB awards a
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9/38

$69,223 contract to Simunition for linked 5.56mm FX markingcartridges. It later deallocates $5,855.

The Army awards HK a contract for the XM320.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 3,000 to 60,000 M203.

TACOM awards an $870,000 delivery order to Airtronic Services for1,000 M203 grenade launchers for the USMC. Later, TACOM awardsa $503,910 delivery order for 509 M203 for the US Army. Followingthat, a third delivery order worth $1,263,360 is awarded for 1,504M203. These are for the USAF, NSWC-Crane, and FMS to Iraq.

TACOM also awards a $10,500 delivery order to Airtronic Servicesfor 10 M203A1 grenade launchers for the USAF.

TACOM awards a $456,250 contract to LMT for 10,500 M203 QuickRelease Brackets.

NSWC-Crane awards a $72,246 contract to LMT for M203 9" barrels.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Crew Served Weapons, issues a sources-sought notice for a NDI 40mm close-in antipersonnel cartridge thatis compatible with the M203 Grenade Launcher. The cartridge mustbe fired quickly without precise aiming and have a high probabilityof producing casualties within the operational range.

USAF Air Combat Command, Mountain Home AFB - 366 CONSawards a $11,850 contract to Patriot Technology for M203 IRQuadrant sights.

April:Senator Tom Coburn(R-OK) sends a letter to ActingSecretary of the ArmyPete Gerenasking the Army to hold a "freeand open competition" before awarding sole-source contracts to Coltfor nearly 500,000 M4 carbines. Coburn states that purchase of theM4 is based on requirements from the early 1990s, and that better,more reliable weapons exist that could give troops a more effectiveweapon.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Colt for M4 and M4A1.

TACOM awards a $50,775,744.74 delivery order to Colt for 39,420

M4 and 2,491 M4A1. These are for the USMC. Later, TACOM awardsa $170,552.98 delivery order to Colt for 76 M4 and 70 M4A1. Theseare for the US Army and FMS to Colombia.

TACOM awards a $9,629,498 delivery order to FN Manufacturing foran undisclosed number of M16A4. TACOM also awards a separate$22,902,368.20 contract and $576,942.60 contract modification toFN Manufacturing for M16A4. These are for the USMC and FMS.

The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad awards a $8,153,970
http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000560http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000560http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000560http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Gerenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Gerenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Gerenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Gerenhttp://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000560


10/38

contract to MPRI for M16, M4, M203, and AK-47 refurbishment. Therefurbishment process will take place in Iraq.

ACA-Fort Benning issues a solicitation for 400 cases of 5.56mmammunition loaded with 77gr HPBT projectiles.

NSWC-Crane awards a $594,951 delivery order to Black HillsAmmunition for 5.56mm Long-Range Ammunition.

MARCORSYSCOM awards a $16,125 contract to Black HillsAmmunition for 43 cases of .233 Match Ammunition loaded with the80 Grain Sierra MatchKing.

ACA-Fort Benning awards a $206,500 contract to Atlanta Arms &Ammo Inc. for .223 Match cartridges.

On behalf of Naval Special Warfare Group One, NSWC-Crane awardsa $56,250 delivery order to HK for HK 416 upper receiver kits with14.5" barrels.

The Norwegian Defence Forces award a 100 million NOK ($16.7million) contract to HK for 8,200 HK 416 rifles. Simultaneously, a 50million NOK contract is awarded to Aimpoint for delivery of sightingsystems for the new rifles. Oddly, the HK 416 was not one of theofficial service rifle finalists announced last year.

NAVICP awards a $392,536 contract to HK for MP7A1 PDW andaccessories.

The Milestone C is approved for the M26 MASS for Low Rate InitialProduction and Type Classification.

The GAO denies KAC's protest over the Army's cancellation of itsM4/M16 suppressor solicitation. The Army had concluded that out of11 suppressors offered by eight companies, no technicallyacceptable proposals were received, and that significant revisions tothe solicitation were needed.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to LMT for 260 SlopingCheekweld Buttstocks and rear sights.

NSWC-Crane awards a $43,238 contract to LMT for Rear Sights and

Sloping Cheekweld Buttstocks.

NSWC-Crane deallocates $22,905 from a delivery order to Trijiconfor TA01M4A1 ACOG.

NSWC-Crane awards a $47,040 contract to KAC for RIS withForward Grips and dummy suppressors.

NSWC-Crane awards a $56,000 contract to The Barrel Barn for 18"5.56mm barrels.


11/38

TACOM cancels its February 2007 solicitation for M249 ImprovedCollapsible Buttstocks.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 25,176 LFU/ARD for the US Army's4x32 ACOG sights.

TACOM awards a $285,580 contract to HK for 10,020 30 roundmagazines. Later, TACOM allocates an additional $2,500.

PM-Crew Served Weapons issues a source-sought notice for up to200,000 M240B/M249 Sling Assemblies.

Naval Special Warfare Group Two awards a $5,640 contract to HKfor HK 416 slings.


RDECOM awards a $9,889,000 contract to Aimpoint for M68 3xMagnifiers with Laser Filter Units.

The DLA issues a solicitation for 2,253 to 6,759 Trijicon TA31FACOG.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Altus AFB issues asolicitation for 150 M4 RAS and 25 M203 QD Brackets.

ACA-Fort Campbell issues a solicitation for 29 ELCAN Specter DR foruse on the M249.

ACA-Fort Totten awards a $7,500 contract to BrigadeQuartermasters, Ltd. for M16 Magazine Couplers.

The Fuze Development Center, Fuze Division, AETC, ARDEC issues asource-sought notice for final engineering development of the

XM1158 40mm Proximity Fuze for the XM1112 ANLM cartridge. Thelatter is intended for use in the M203 Grenade Launcher. The ANLMdelivers a non-lethal payload at a specified standoff distance fromthe target throughout the normal range of the weapon. Upon

completion of the design, the fuze and ANLM cartridge will beassembled as a single finished product, packaged for delivery to the

field.

NSWC-Crane awards a $16,000 contract to LMT for dummy M203.

USMC Regional Contracting Office - Northwest awards a $19,580contract to R/M Equipment for M203 Grips.

May: Colt loses their appeal from the original Bushmaster casedecision. Court costs are awarded to Bushmaster.


12/38

ATEC conducts what becomes known as Extreme Dust Test II on theM4 and M16A4. (The first test was the one reported upon inJanuary.) The results indicate that out of 60,000 rounds fired, theM4 suffered only 307 stoppages. 148 of the stoppages weremagazine related.

USMC Ground Board 1-07 notes the USMC's interest in the FN SCAR.The Ground Board recommends the following formal requirementsfor a future service rifle replacement: accuracy, modularity for theshooter and mission requirements, ergonomics, and balance. Inaddition, adoption of any service rifle round should be based onclearly defined terminal effects.

FN announces that the SCAR has performed well in the first phase ofpre-delivery, LRIP acceptance testing by USSOCOM and NSWC-Crane. The first LRIP deliveries are expected take place over thenext month with subsequent deliveries running through October2007.

TACOM modifies its February 2007 solicitation for M16A4, addingM16A3 as well. TACOM also states that instead of being a "free andopen" solicitation, it will now include a 30 percent Partial SmallBusiness Setaside. The Government intends to make a single awardagainst the non-setaside portion (with a guaranteed minimumquantity of 15,998 rifles), while two awards will be made against thesetaside portion. Each Small Business awardee will receive aguaranteed minimum quantity of 3,428 rifles.

TACOM awards a $2,021,273.65 delivery order to Colt for 1,635 M4and 95 M4A1. These are for the US Army, USAF, and FMS to Yemenand Japan. Later, TACOM awards a $475,934.50 delivery order toColt for 336 M4 and 110 M4A1. These are for the USAF, INS, andFMS to Jamaica.

NSWC-Crane awards a $70,000 delivery order to Colt for M4A1.

ARDEC issues a sole-source solicitation to FN Manufacturing for2,689 M249.

Polytech Ammunition Company's Sy Wiley, William E. Rembert, III,

and Gary Loftin receiveUS Patent #7,213,519 titled "Compositepolymer based cartridge case having an overmolded metal cup,

polymer plug base assembly."

HK's Johannes Murello, Wilhelm Fischbach, Thomas Schweikart, andAlexander Stumpp receiveUS Patent #D542,877 titled "Compactfirearm."

The 1st Battalion, 1st SFG cancels its March 2007 solicitation for HK416 upper receiver kits.

CZ unveils its new CZ805 assault rifle at the IDET International
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13/38

Exhibition of Defence and Security Technologies.

HK's Ernst Wssner receivesUS Patent #7,219,463 titled "Methodsand apparatus to secure a safety catch in a jammed position."

HK's Martin Stussak and Thomas Kopf file an US patent applicationfor the belt bag of the MG4.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, 37th ContractingSquadron, Lackland AFB issues a solicitation for 1,000 M16A2Training Weapons (non-firing replicas). This is a brand name (orequal) requirement for the Olympic Arms Cobalt Trainer

USPFO for North Dakota awards a $9,495 contract to LawEnforcement Targets Inc. for M16 Training Rifles.

The Norwegian military orders 6,500 HK MP7A1 with Aimpointsights. These will replace their older MP5 SMG. Deliveries areexpected to start in February 2008.

RDECOM issues a source-sought notice for COTS Weapon Lights thatcan be used on the M16A4, M4/M4A1, M249, and M240B. TheWeapon Lights must have the follow characteristics:

1.Able to mount on a MIL-STD-1913 rail using an interfacedevice;

2. Have a fixed beam (threshold) or an adjustable beam(narrow to wide) (objective) that allows illumination of a20x30x8 feet darkened room/enclosure;

3. Have a facial recognition range of 20 meters (threshold),25 meters (objective) inside a darkened room/enclosure;

4. Maximum weight with batteries, mounting mechanism,and remote cable: 10 ounces (threshold), 6 ounces(objective);

5. Be compatible and not interfere with appropriateday/night optics, aiming lights and with other weaponaccessories;

6. Have dual activation controls: An on/off switch which shallbe located on the device housing and a wired remote

control switch;

7.A full-off control on the device housing which will preventother activation controls from functioning;

8. Operate on standard military or DOD approved,commercially available batteries;

9.Acceptable battery performance with the light constantlyon for 1 hour (threshold) or more. Degraded battery

performance in extreme temperatures or with prolonged
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use of the light is acceptable (threshold); and

10.Include a set of detachable lens covers. The lens coversshall be interchangeable and consist of red, blue, green,and dust cover (threshold). An IR capability is desired(objective).

USSOCOM issues a sources-sought notice for the development of a

Multi-Function Aiming Device (MFAD). The MFAD will combine thefollowing components into a single, integrated system: a day sight,IR laser pointer, IR illuminator, visible laser pointer, and white lightflashlight. The MFAD must meet the following characteristics:

1. Length not to exceed 5 inches (T), 2.5 inches (O);

2. Width not to exceed 3.5 inches (T), 2 inches (O);

3. Height not to exceed 4 inches (T), 2 inches (O);

4. Weight not to exceed 15 oz. (T), 10 oz (O);

5. Remain functional when immersed in sea water at a depthof 1 meter for 2 hours (T), 33 feet for 2 hours (O);

6. Capable of being operated and stored under temperatureconditions that range from:

a. Minimum Temperature: -25 degrees Foperational (T), -31 degrees F storage (T), -40degrees F for both operational and storage (O);

b. Maximum Temperature: 125 degrees Foperational (T/O), 159 degrees F Storage(T/O);

c. Operational Altitude: above 15,000 feet (T),50,000 feet (O); and

d. Operational in Humidity: 100 percent (T/O);

7.Auto-adjusting brightness (T/O);

8. Manual override for brightness of the sight (T/O);

9.Aiming point with a 2 MOA dot (T/O) enclosed by a circlefor quick acquisition;

10.A 400 meter aiming point set for a 5.56 mm, 70 grainround from a 14.5 inch barrel (T/O);

11.Power source of CR-123 batteries (T), new lightweightbattery technology (O);

12.Laser selector switch configured as follows:

a. Off (T/O);

b. Dual Low, visible laser (T/O);


15/38

c. Dual High, visible laser (T/O); and

d. Flood High, visible laser (T/O);

13.Individual pressure pads for the IR and visible lasers

(T/O); and

14.Mount to a MIL-STD-1913 rail (T/O).

Approximately 2,300 to 10,000 MFAD are projected to be ordered.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Grip Pod Systems for33,600 Rifle Bipods.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Best Made Designs for42,000 to 126,000 Slings for the M4 and M16.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Thor Defense for 8,100 to24,300 Multiple Magazine Holders.

TACOM awards a $407,740 delivery order to Polymer Technologiesfor 19,000 M249 100 Round Soft Pack Magazines.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to LMT for 1,000 tanSloping Cheekweld Buttstocks.

NSWC-Crane awards a $2,678 contract to LMT for SlopingCheekweld Buttstocks.

NSWC-Crane awards a $6,780 contract to LMT for rear sights.

NSWC-Crane awards $59,066 and $172,253.76 delivery orders to

Canadian Commercial Corp. for ELCAN SU-230/PVS ECOS-C.

Daniel Defense's Marvin C. Daniel and Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr. file apatent application for their RIS II rail forearm.

Tango Down, LLC's Jeffrey M. Cahill files a patent application for thepressure switch pocket of their MK46 vertical foregrip.

The DLA issues a solicitation worth up to $5.5 million for TrijiconTA31F ACOG.

The DLA issues a solicitation for EOTech 552.A65.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB - 12CONS awards a $7,931 contract to KAC for M4 RAS Mil-Packs.

USAF Air Combat Command, Moody AFB - 347 CONS awards a$114,320 contract to Simunition for M4A1 FX flattop upperreceivers.

ACA-Fort Drum deallocates $368 from a contract to UTM Ltd. forM4/M16 conversion kits.


16/38

ACA-Fort Rucker awards a $77,556 contract to UTM Ltd. for M16/M4Conversion Kits.

USPFO for Minnesota awards a $6,743 contract to Tactical & SurvivalSpecialties for M16/M4 buttstock magazine pouches. Later, USPFOfor Minnesota deallocates $337 from the contract.

RCO-Grafenwoehr awards a $41,650 contract to UTM Ltd. forM16/M4 Adaptors.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Insight Technology forAN/PSQ-18A Day/Night Sights for the M203.

Picatinny awards $255,198 to HK for 70 XM320, 64 DNS, 51 M16A2mounting brackets, 51 M16A4/M4 mounting brackets, and a set oftools.

The XM320 I&KPT is completed.

HK's Jurgen Gablowski files an US patent application for a sight forthe AG36.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 54 to 540 M203A2. This is laterreduced to 53 to 530 M203A2. These appear to be for FMS to Japan.

June: The SCAR and EGLM complete LRIP Acceptance Testing.

USMC CommandantGeneral James T. Conwaysigns MARADMIN378/07. This officially changes weapon assignment policies withinthe USMC. Marine staff sergeants and up, along with secondlieutenants through lieutenant colonels and chief warrant officers,will now be issued the M4 carbine instead of the M9 pistol. Sailors E-5 and below who are with Marine units will also be issued the M4.Marine privates through sergeants will continue be issued theM16A4. Assignment of automatic rifles will not change. Marinesholding the rank of colonel and higher, along with Naval personnelE-6 and higher, will continue to be issued the M9.

The military specification for the M249 SAW, MIL-DTL-

0070446B(AR), is amended.

US Army Sustainment Command awards a $43,715,817.48 deliveryorder to General Dynamics for production of 5.56mm (DODICA059), 7.62mm (DODIC A131), and .50 caliber (DODIC A557 andA576). Army Sustainment Command also deallocates $265,470.72from another delivery order for the same.

US Army Sustainment Command awards a $1,104,202 deliveryorder to ATK for 5.56mm production modernization upgrades.

NSWC-Crane awards a $754,236 delivery order to Black Hills
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Conwayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Conwayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Conwayhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Conway


17/38

Ammunition for 5.56mm Long-Range Ammunition.

NSWC-Crane awards Federal Cartridge Co. a contract worth up to$19,500,000 for linked 5.56mm frangible ammunition.

Arrow Tech Associates publishes "Final Report of the RiflingProfile Push Test." A study was conducted to assess the engravingforce and the associated resistance pressure of the M855 projectilein an M16A2 barrel section.

Brunei adopts the Ultimax 100 to replace its M16-HBAR.

US Military Group-Colombia (USMILGP) awards a $5,442 contract toRanger Joe's International for M16 replicas.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Lackland AFB - 37CONS awards a contract to Olympic Arms for M16A2 TrainingWeapons.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to KAC for 260 RISwith forward hand grips, 260 compensators, and 30 Mk 12 flip-upsights.

NSWC-Crane awards a $89,250 contract to LMT for SlopingCheekweld Buttstocks.

NSWC-Crane awards a $1,973,030 delivery order to Daniel Defensefor RIS-II.

NSWC-Crane awards a $97,460 contract to KAC for RIS withForward Grips.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Soldier Weapons, issues a sole-sourcesolicitation to Aimpoint for 93,226 CCO.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Soldier Weapons, issues a solicitation for565,783 CCO. ARDEC states that they will award contracts to amaximum of two vendors.

Picatinny awards a $8,789.15 contract modification to Vertu Corp.

for XM26 engineering changes. These are mostly to improve cold-weather performance.

Picatinny awards a $6,934,400 contract modification to Grip PodSystems for 70,400 forward grip/bipods.

TACOM awards a $271,683.60 delivery order to PolymerTechnologies for 12,660 M249 100 Round Soft Pack Magazines.

ACA-Fort Campbell awards a $37,546.59 contract to PersonalProtection Group, LLC for Specter DR optics.


18/38

ACA-Fort Eustis awards a $5,760 contract to Best Made Designs LLCfor M16 Slings.

ACA-Fort Eustis awards a $18,187 contract to Simunition forM4/M16 FX Bolt Kits.

ACA-Fort Sill awards a $144,650 delivery order to UTM Ltd. for M4Conversion Kits.

US Army Space Command awards a $13,369 contract to Simunitionfor M16 Bolt Conversion Kits.

RCO-Grafenwoehr awards a $38,300 contract to UTM Ltd. forM16/M4 Adaptors.

Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton issues a solicitation for 900coyote tan Tactical Slings for use with the M16, M4, and M249.

USAF Materiel Command, 377th CONS - Kirtland AFB issues a

solicitation for 20,000 5.56mm FX cartridges and 5,000 9mm FXcartridges.

USSOCOM issues a source-sought notice for anti-personnel and/ormulti-purpose rifle grenades. The grenades must be able to be firedfrom short barreled (10 to 14 inch) 5.56mm and/or 7.62mm riflesusing standard NATO ammunition.

TACOM awards a $129,690 delivery order to Airtronic Services for131 M203 grenade launchers for NSWC-Crane.

Summer: The Spanish Army adopts the HK MG4E LMG. A minimumof 1,800 MG4E are required.

July: The US Army agrees to conduct extreme dust chamber testingof the M4 carbine, HK 416, XM8, and FN SCAR at Aberdeen inAugust. This appears to be a quid-pro-quo move in return for Sen.Coburn lifting his hold on the confirmation of Peter Geren asSecretary of the Army. Ten weapons of each design will fire 6,000rounds each to examine how they perform in dusty conditions. Theweapons and loaded magazines will also be exposed to extreme dust

for 30 minutes before firing 120 rounds. Each rifle will be wipeddown and lubricated once every 600 rounds with a full cleaning

every 1,200 rounds.

The SCAR and EGLM are approved for entry into the InitialOperational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) phase. The initial EXdesignations have changed to Mk 16 Mod 0 SCAR-L, Mk 17 Mod 0SCAR-H, and Mk 13 Mod 0 EGLM.

TACOM awards a $3,429,386.30 delivery order to Colt for 3,937 M4and 114 M4A1. The former are for the US Army and FMS to Jordanand Iraq. The latter are for NSWC-Crane.


19/38

TACOM awards a $23,740 contract modification to FN Manufacturingfor USMC M16A4.

NSWC-Crane awards a $6,220,375 delivery order to Colt for M4A1.

NSWC-Crane awards a $230,575 delivery order to Colt for CQBRupper receivers.

ARDEC, on behalf of PM-Crew Served Weapons, issues a solicitationfor 3,000 to 15,419 M249.

On behalf of Naval Special Warfare Group One, NSWC-Crane awardsa $1,214,150 delivery order to HK for HK 416 with 14.5" barrels andOver-The-Beach (OTB) modifications.

US Army Sustainment Command issues a sources-sought notice for5.56x45mm ammunition for Galil rifles and 7.62x39mm ammunitionfor AK-47. Ammunition may be produced under NATO spec, Warsaw

Pact spec, and/or commercial equivalent.

USPFO for Maryland awards a $12,047 contract to ATD-AmericanCo. for M16 training rifles.

USPFO for Connecticut awards a $12,179 contract to Gall's Inc. forM16 rubber training rifles.

NSWC-Crane awards a $171,990 contract to HK for 4.6x30mmammunition.

NSWC-Crane issues a sources-sought notice for COTS weapon shotcounters for the FN SCAR.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to KAC for 152 RISwith Forward Hand Grips. This is followed by an additionalsolicitation for 275 RIS with Forward Hand Grips.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to PRI for 2,900 M84Gas Buster Charging Handles with Big Latch.

JM&L LCMC, on behalf of the PM-Soldier Weapons, issues asolicitation for a CQB Kit Tactical Sling that allows a soldier's weapon

to remain in a ready position while conducting non-weapon firingrelated tasks.

JM&L LCMC, on behalf of the PM-Soldier Weapons, issues asolicitation for a CQB Kit Forward Rail Bracket (FRB) that allows M16weapons not equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 ARS to mount bipods, aweapons light, or a forward vertical grip. The FRB shall feature at aminimum a bottom rail, at least 4 inches in length. The FRB shallattach to rifles without any modification to the weapon.


20/38

JM&L LCMC, on behalf of the PM-Soldier Weapons, issues asolicitation for a CQB Kit Multi-Magazine Holder. Weighing less thanfour ounces, the Multi-Magazine Holder will mount two standard5.56mm 30 round magazines together. Attaching the Multi-MagazineHolder shall not require any special tools to add, remove, or adjustthe magazines. The Multi-Magazine Holder shall also be packagedwith a storage pouch that will hold the Multi-Magazine Holder withtwo magazines attached. The storage pouch must be MOLLE and

ALICE compatible, have a tan, gray-green, gray, or taupe coating,which will support various camouflage combinations and minimizeinfrared and radar signatures, and be constructed of synthetic,water resistant, rapid drying, soft material.

JM&L LCMC, on behalf of the PM-Soldier Weapons, also issuesseparate solicitations for a CQB Kit Forward Grip/Bipod and a SquadDesignated Marksman (SDM) Bipod.

JM&L LCMC issues a solicitation for approximately 200,000M240B/M249 Sling Assemblies.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Grip Pod Systems for33,600 bipods.

NSWC-Crane awards a $9,130 contract to Wilcox Industries forAimpoint mounts.

NSWC-Crane awards $21,189 and $22,190 contracts to LMT for RearSights.

NSWC-Crane awards a $380,993 delivery order to Daniel Defensefor RIS-II.

NSWC-Crane awards a $47,424 contract to KAC for RIS withForward Grips.

NSWC-Crane awards a $3,940,377 delivery order to InsightTechnology for SU-232/PAS CNVD-T.

NSWC-Crane awards a $166,876 contract to Simunition for M4A1 FXkits.

TACOM awards a $54,850 delivery order to Airtronic USA for 650 M2

bolts. These are used with 5.56mm M862 Short Range TrainingAmmunition.

TACOM awards a contract to NMC Inc. for M4 ARS. The first deliveryorder worth $107,716.60 is for 1,005 M5 ARS.

TACOM awards a contract to P&S Products for up to 125,000 M5ARS. The first delivery order worth $257,950 is for 1,000 M5 ARS.

TACOM also awards a contract to P&S Products for up to 334,000


21/38

Vertical Pistol Grips. The first delivery order worth $85,000 is for10,000 Vertical Pistol Grips.

Picatinny awards a $6,934,400 contract modification to Grip PodSystems for forward grip bipods.

Naval Special Warfare Group 2 awards a $3,237 contract to SafetySystems Corp. for M16 Tactical Weapon Slings.

NAVICP awards $75,400 and $339,300 delivery orders to InsightTechnology for infrared illuminators.

NAVICP awards a $64,901 delivery order to Trijicon for telescopicsights.

NAVICP awards a $29,800 delivery order to Aimpoint for reflexsights.

Tango Down, LLC's Jeffrey M. Cahill receivesUS Patent #7,243,454

titled "Integrated pressure switch pocket for a vertical fore grip."

ACA-Fort Bliss issues a solicitation for 480 M4/M16 Simunitionweapon adapter kits, 24 adaptor kits for the M249, 180,000 roundseach of clipped 5.56mm red and blue FX cartridges, 80,000 roundseach of linked 5.56mm red and blue FX cartridges, and protectivegear.

ACA-Fort Dix awards a $74 contract to US Cavalry for M16/M4 3-Point Slings.

ACA-Fort Eustis deallocates $18,187 from a contract to Simunitionsfor M4/M16 bolt kits.

ACA-Fort Richardson issues a solicitation for 50 Trijicon TA33 ACOGscopes.

ACA-Fort Carson issues a sources-sought notice for 200 UTMM4/M16 conversion bolts and protective gear.

ACA-Fort Carson awards a $55,211 contract to UTM Ltd. for M16

Conversion Kits.

USPFO for Indiana awards a $11,603 contract to Raine Inc. for M16Stock Magazine Holders.

USPFO for Michigan issues a sole-source solicitation to Simunitionfor M16 5.56mm FX Bolt Conversion Kits to include protectiveequipment and colored marking cartridges.

RCO-Bavaria issues a sole-source solicitation to UTM Ltd. for safetygear and paint-marking round adapters for the M16 and M249. RCO-Bavaria follows this with a $55,013 contract award.
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22/38

RCO-Grafenwoehr awards $44,600 and $55,013 contracts to UTMLtd. for M16/M4 Adapters.

MCB Camp Pendleton issues a solicitation for 900 one-point slings.

USAF Materiel Command, 377 CONS - Kirtland AFB awards a$14,675 contract to Tacnologies Limited for red 5.56mm and 9mmFX marking cartridges.

USAF Europe, Spangdahlem AB - 52 CONS issues a solicitation for28,000 red 5.56mm Man Marker Rounds, 56,000 blue 5.56mm ManMarker Rounds, and 9mm Man Marker Rounds of both colors.

USAF Air Combat Command, 355 CONS - Davis Monthan AFBawards a $1,315 delivery order to UTM Ltd. for 5.56mm Man MarkerRounds.

Picatinny awards an additional $2,000,000 to ATK for the Individual

HEAB Weapon System Technology Development (TD) project.

RDECOM, on behalf of PM-Soldier Sensors and Lasers, issues asources-sought notice for the rapid development and deployment of72,000 COTS/NDI rifle-mountable rangefinders for the XM320 GLM.Key requirements for the GLM rangefinder are that it provide ahandheld range determination capability out to 800 meters with ameasurement accuracy of 3 meters. The rangefinder should at least

provide repeatable and accurate range determination capability forman-sized targets out to 200 meters and tank-sized targets out to300 meters. Optimally, it would provide an enhanced day and nightfire control with rangefinder and ballistic solution capabilityintegrated with the sight and fire control with range determinationcapability out to 2,000 meters with an accuracy of 1 meter in idealconditions. The Army's intent is to procure a rangefinder forgrenadiers that is mountable on an M4 carbine equipped with theGLM and associated day/night sight. The rangefinder should bebackward-compatible with the M203. The system must fit on thelimited rail space on the M4 not already occupied by the GLM, itsDNS, and other equipment (day sights, aiming lights, etc.) commonto the M4 carbine.

Picatinny awards a $8,664,592 contract to Insight Technology for

M203 DNS.

TACOM awards a $49,466.49 contract to Airtronic USA for 53M203A2. These are for FMS to Japan. A day later, a $167,999.40contract option is awarded for 180 M203A2. These are for FMS to

Afghanistan.

USAF Materiel Command, Kirtland AFB - 377 CONS issues asolicitation for 55 of Patriot Manufacturing M203 Quadrant Sight andRail Adapter, with infrared laser assist modification. Later in the


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month, the solicitation is cancelled.

USAF Air Combat Command, Nellis AFB - 99 CONS issues asolicitation for 42 M203 IR Quadrant Sights for the M4. The sightmust mount to the top rail of the M4A1's receiver in a position justforward and to the left of the M68 CCO.

USAF Air Combat Command, Dyess AFB - 7 CONS awards a $7,505contract to Patriot Technology for P203QLA Quadrant sights withoffset brackets.

August: The US Army's extreme dust chamber carbine tests arepostponed until December to allow for delivery of the FN SCAR-L.

TACOM awards a $108,349,356.62 contract to Colt for 83,830 M4and 8,613 M4A1. The former are for the US Army and USMC, andthe latter are for the USAF and NSWC-Crane.

TACOM awards a $5,977,500 contract modification to Colt for 7,500

M16A4. These are for FMS to Iraq.

TACOM awards a $24,251,703 contract modification to FNManufacturing for an undisclosed number of M16A4.

MARCORSYSCOM Infantry Weapons Systems issues a sole-sourcesolicitation to FN for three each of the Mk 16 SCAR-L and Mk 17SCAR-H, and one Mk 13 EGLM.

NSWC-Crane awards a $999,695 delivery order to Federal Cartridgefor 5.56mm Frangible Cartridges.

NSWC-Crane awards a $491,280 delivery order to Black HillsAmmunition for 5.56mm moly-coated ammunition. NSWC-Cranealso awards a $550,986 delivery order to Black Hills Ammunition for5.56mm RRLP ammunition.

NSWC-Crane issues a solicitation for packing 500,000 rounds of5.56mm Dim Tracer into DODIC AA99 configuration. Theammunition will be government furnished.

MARCORSYSCOM Infantry Weapons Systems issues a sole-sourcesolicitation to HK for two each of the HK 416 and HK 417.

NSWC-Crane awards a $345,915 delivery order to HK for 180 HK416 and spare parts.

TACOM awards a $24,746.20 contract to HK for 13 HK 416 with14.5" barrels, 52 thirty round magazines, and spare parts. These arefor shipment to Aberdeen.

The Australian press uncovers military documents indicatingsystematic problems with the action springs of deployed soldiers'


24/38

F88 rifles.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Lackland AFB - 37CONS issues a solicitation for 150 M16A2 Training Weapons. This isa brand name or equal requirement for the Olympic Arms CobaltTrainer.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Lackland AFB - 37CONS awards a $73,650 contract to Mirage TechnologiesInternational, Inc. for M16A2 Training Weapons.

USPFO for Vermont awards a $15,481 contract to Ranger Joe'sInternational for M16 Training Weapons.

JM&L LCMC issues a sole-source solicitation to Ideas to Market forcontinued engineering studies and manufacturing support on the5.56mm 30 Round Composite Magazine. The efforts will involveidentifying and refining low cost manufacturing processes, and themanufacture and delivery of a total of 550 prototype composite

magazines for further government testing and evaluation.

Picatinny awards a $156,730.60 contract modification to Vertu Corp.for the incorporation of several Engineering Change Proposals (ECP)for the XM26 MASS. These include: mitigation of felt recoil in thestand alone configuration, improve retention of the fasteners for theremovable rail, creation of an enhanced sight to increase hit

probability, elimination of the possibility of losing the removablesight, creation of a short three-round magazine, and elimination oftolerance stack-ups.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to FN Manufacturing for11,060 M249 short barrels. Later, TACOM awards a $4,998,788.20contract modification to FN Manufacturing for 11,060 M249 shortbarrels.

TACOM issues a sole-source solicitation to Tenebraex for 946 LFUwith ARD for the Army's ACOG scopes.

TACOM awards a contract to Applied Resources Corp. for 9,000 to75,000 M249 New Bipods. The first delivery order worth $622,104 is

for 9,106 bipods. Later three more bipods are added worth $207.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to KAC for 6,826 QDcompensators and 6,551 each of folding flip-up front sights andcompensator shim sets.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to LMT for 630 rearsights. Later, NSWC-Crane awards a $48,542 contract to LMT for therear sights.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to Trijicon for 37TA31RCOM4 ACOG.


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26/38

TA31DOC ACOG.

AFSOC, Hurlburt Field - 16 CONS issues a solicitation for 250 TangoDown Vertical Grips, 50 Tango Down Bipods, 1,800 standard 30round magazines, five M68 CCO, five EOTech 551, and otherequipment.

AFSOC, Hurlburt Field - 16 CONS awards a $77,348 contract toAtlantic Diving Supply, Inc. for standard M4/M16A2 thirty roundmagazines.

USAF Reserve Command, Robins AFB awards a $50,385 deliveryorder to Simunition for 5.56mm Marking Rounds.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell AFB - 42 CONSissues a solicitation for 18 M4 Simunition Conversion Kits, 18 M9Simunition Conversion Kits, 8,000 rounds each of 5.56mm and 9mmFX marking ammunition, and other equipment.

USAF Air Combat Command, Minot AFB - 5 CONS issues asolicitation for Simunition or equivalent: 40 M16 conversion bolts,30 cases of 5.56mm training ammunition, 15 M9 conversion kits, 10cases of 9mm training ammunition, and protective gear.

The British MOD's Combat Support Equipment Integrated ProjectTeam (CSE IPT) issues a solicitation for railed handguards andvertical foregrip/bipods for the L85A2 to fill an Urgent OperationalRequirement. The minimum quantity is 8,000 of each item with the

possibility of 15,000 more added later.

TACOM awards a $19,085.90 delivery order to Airtronic USA for 17M203 grenade launchers for NSWC-Crane.

TACOM also awards a $146,070 delivery order to Airtronic USA for135 M203A1 grenade launchers. These are for FMS to Colombia.

NAVICP awards a $123,710 delivery order to LMT for grenadelaunchers.

September: With the early delivery of the FN SCAR-L, the US

Army's extreme dust chamber carbine tests are started.

TACOM awards a $2,889,335.66 delivery order to Colt for 2,127 M4and 530 M4A1. The former are for the US Army and FMS toColombia and Iraq, and the latter are for the US Army, USAF, andFMS to Colombia. Later in the month, TACOM awards Colt anotherdelivery order worth $4,737,417.62 for 1,660 M4 and 2,567 M4A1.The former are for the USAF, and the latter are for the USAF andCustoms Service.

TACOM awards a $794.56 contract modification to FN Manufacturingfor a M16A4.


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The US Navy completes the transition from the M14 to the M16A3for shipboard use. Only two M14 are retained per ship for line-throwing duties.

JM&L LCMC issues a sources-sought notice for a PDW chambered in5.56mm NATO. Potential PDW candidates should not exceed the sizeand weight of the M4 carbine. Furthermore, they should be nosmaller or lighter than the current M9 pistol.

Picatinny awards a $4,879,317.83 contract to Olin-Winchester for5.56mm M862 SRTA cartridges.

NSWC-Crane awards a $2,532,816 delivery order to FederalCartridge for 5.56mm Frangible Cartridges.

NSWC-Crane awards a $622,503 delivery order to Black HillsAmmunition for 5.56mm Long-Range Ammunition.

University of Texas' Institute for Advanced Technology publishes"Preliminary Design and Analysis of an EnvironmentallyFriendly 5.56mm Bullet to Replace the M855." The scope of thestudy effort was to evolve a suitable, environmentally friendlyreplacement round that is compatible with the M249, M16 family,and M4 series weapons. Principal features of the conceptual designare an improved ballistic coefficient and replacement of leadantimony in the bullet core with a LiquidMetal Technologies (LQMT)penetrator core. The LQMT high density core easily penetrates steeltargets, and the truncated projectile boattail provides less resistanceto tumbling in a soft target.

TACOM awards an $830,060.50 contract to HK for 370 HK 416 with10" barrels and accessories, including EOTech 512 sights. The enduser is undisclosed.

TACOM awards a $616,018.52 contract to Bushmaster for 50Varminter rifles, 1,526 complete lower receivers assembled with six-

position buttstocks, and spare parts. These are for FMS to Colombia.

The government of Thailand approves the Thai Army's request for15,000 IWI Tavor rifles and 992 Negev LMG. The contract for therifles is worth $28,572,000.

NNMC-Bethesda awards a $3,213 contract to Gall's Inc. for M16 RedTraining Guns.

USPFO for Arkansas awards a $12,535 contract to BrigadeQuartermaster Ltd. for M16 Training Guns.


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MARCORSYSCOM awards a $177,670 contract to Boland ProductionSupply, Inc. for mock M16A2 rifles.

Picatinny awards a $98,790 contract to Ecomass Technologies for550 prototype composite magazines for the M16/M4. The magazinesare based a government developed design.

Picatinny awards a $209,629.24 contract modification to Vertu Corp.for 80 XM26 MASS. These are for another iteration of ProductionQualification Testing (PQT) and Initial Operational Testing (IOT) insupport of the program's Milestone C decision.

Picatinny awards a contract to Trijicon worth up to $109,356,098 for100 to 675,100 XM150 Rifle Combat Optics.

TACOM issues a solicitation for BUIS for the M16A4 and M4.

TACOM awards a $3,309,600 contract to Grip Pod Systems for33,600 forward grip/bipods.

TACOM awards a $663,400 contract to Aimpoint for M68 CCO.

TACOM awards a contract to P&S Products for 1,000 to 160,000 M4ARS. The first delivery order worth $234,690 is for 1,000 M4 ARS.

TACOM awards a $138 contract modification to Applied ResourcesCorp. for two additional M249 New Bipods.

NSWC-Crane awards a $783,435 delivery order to CanadianCommercial Corp. for ELCAN SU-230/PVS ECOS-C.

NSWC-Crane awards $20,871 and $209,194 delivery orders toEOTech for SU-231/PEQ ECOS-CQB.


MARCORSYSCOM awards a $53,000,000 contract to InsightTechnology for a minimum of 25 Individual Weapon Night Sights,Image Intensified (IWNS-I2). The IWNS-I2 will provide a RCO

compatible night sight, able to be clipped on and off of the M16A4.

ACA-Fort Bliss awards a $90,443 contract to Simunition for M4/M16Blue FX Marking Cartridges.

USPFO for Missouri awards a $42,792 contract to Simunition for red5.56mm FX Marking Cartridges.

USPFO for Michigan awards a $53,171 contract to Simunition forM16A2 FX conversion kits.

USPFO for West Virginia awards a $16,077 contract to Simunition for


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M4/M16 FX conversion kits.

AFSOC, Hurlburt Field - 16 CONS issues a solicitation for 64 M4 RAS.

AFSOC, Hurlburt Field - 16 CONS issues a solicitation for 256standard 30 round magazines, 32 each Tango Down verticalforegrips and bipods, 20 Aimpoint 3X Magnifiers, 20 each GG&G

Accucam Quick Detach Aimpoint Cantilever Rings, Multi Flex AdapterPlates, and Multi Flex Bases, and assorted other tactical gear.

USAF Space Command, Malmstrom AFB - 341 CONS issues asolicitation for 1491 M16 magazines and assorted other tacticalgear.

USAF Reserve Command, Dobbins ARB - 94 CONF issues asolicitation for 330 AN/PEQ-2A TPIAL.

USAF Air Combat Command, Langley AFB - ACC CONS issues asolicitation for 244 Tango Down bipods.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Laughlin AFB - 47 CONSawards a $26,948 contract to Simunition for M4/M16 FX boltconversion kits.

Kadena AB - 18 CONS awards a $44,212 contract to Simunition forM4A1 FX upper receivers.

FISC-Puget Sound awards a $7,093 contract to Tactical & SurvivalSpecialties for Trijicon ACOG scopes.

The XM320 fails Initial Operational Testing at Fort Bragg andDevelopmental Testing at Aberdeen.

MCWL issues a sources-sought notice for COTS/NDI Indirect FireDay/Night Sights for the M203. The sights will allow rapid acquisitionof a target with the M203 giving the user the information needed toengage the target with minimal time and effort. A digital readout willgive the distance to target and the angle of weapons systemnecessary to engage target with the first shot kill ability. The sightmust attach without interfering with the RCO and other accessories,

all while maintaining the center of gravity of the weapon system.

TACOM awards an $189,644.20 delivery order to Airtronic USA for186 M203 grenade launchers. These are for FMS to the Philippines.

TACOM separately awards a $27,999.90 contract option to AirtronicUSA for 30 M203A2. These are for FMS to Ecuador.

USAF Air Combat Command, ACC CONS awards a $515,862 contractto Garrett Container Systems, Inc. for AN/PSQ-18A DNS.

USAF Air Combat Command, Dyess AFB - 7 CONS awards a $9,875


30/38

contract to Patriot Technology for P203QLAM-2 Quadrant sights withoffset brackets.

Little Rock AFB - 189 CONS awards a $4,779 delivery order to B.E.Meyers and Co. for M203 Quadrant Laser Night Sights.

USMC Regional Contracting Office - Southwest, Camp Pendletonawards a $5,820 contract to R/M Equipment for M203 Grips.

October: FN reportedly completes delivery of 886 Mk 16 SCAR-L,772 Mk 17 SCAR-H, and 196 Mk 13 EGLM ordered under the LRIPcontract.

II MEF begins training with Mk 12 Mod 1 SPR requested under anUUNS.

NSWC-Crane awards a $180,670 contract to Black Hill Ammunitionfor 5.56mm Mk 262.

NSWC-Crane awards a $7,517 contract to Red Diamond Uniform &Police Supply, Inc. for M16 Training Guns.

JM&L LCMC issues a source-sought notice for COTS/NDI CollapsibleButtstock Assemblies for the M249. This notice is to determine ifthere are any products readily available which can meet thefollowing Government requirements:

1. The CBS assembly should provide a total adjustmentlength of approximately 3 inches with multipleintermittent positions, without the use of tools;

2. The CBS assembly should not exceed a weight of 1.8 lbs;

3. The CBS assembly must be easy to disassemble and cleanby the weapon operator;

4. The CBS assembly must be compatible with the existingbuttstock interface of the M249 SAW weapon receiver,incorporate a positive means of being retained to thereceiver and permit removal from the receiver without theuse of tools;

5. The CBS assembly must be compatible with or utilize theexisting M249 buffer assembly; and

6. The CBS assembly, when attached to the M249, must notpresent any uncontrolled safety hazards to the operator.It must also allow safe operation of the weapon afterundergoing a drop test series from a height of five feetonto a concrete surface.

TACOM awards a $69,879.60 contract modification to Colt to add sixspare magazines for each of 1,410 M4 carbines already on order.This is part of a FMS to Iraq.


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TACOM awards a $1,135,902 delivery order to Matech for 19,700BUIS.

TACOM awards a $849,980.56 delivery order to PolymerTechnologies for 40,456 M249 100 round soft packs.

TACOM issues a solicitation for 250 to 3,000 M249 gun mountadapters.

TACOM awards a $9,872,497.89 contract to Center Industries for1,254,447 thirty round M16 magazines.

TACOM awards a $2,076,840 delivery order to P&S Products for36,000 M4 ARS.

TACOM also awards a $60,000 delivery order to P&S Products for40,000 Vertical Pistol Grips.

NSWC-Crane issues a sole-source solicitation to Trijicon for 309 each

RX01-10 and RX01-11 Reflex Scopes.

NSWC-Crane awards a $38,570 contract to Trijicon for ACOGscopes.

NAVICP awards a $46,115 delivery order to KAC for rear sights.

MARCORSYSCOM awards a $59,590 contract to Insight Technologiesfor CNVD-T.

RDECOM issues a solicitation for thermal weapon sight (TWS)brackets. The TWS mounting brackets are needed for various typesof weapons including the M4.

HK's Johannes Murello files an US patent application for aninterchangeable barrel system for the AG36 family that will accept25mm airbursting ammunition and integrally include the fire controlsystem.

Picatinny awards a $52,429,441.14 contract to Rafael for M100RLEM and M101 RLEM-TP.

TACOM awards a $5,410 delivery order to Airtronic USA for five

M203A1 grenade launchers. These are for FMS to Colombia.

TACOM awards a $145,720 contract to RM Equipment for 100M203PI. These are for FMS to Tunisia.

TACOM awards a $1,200,000 delivery order to LMT for 30,000 M203quick release brackets.

NAVICP awards a $340,870 delivery order to LMT for grenadelaunchers.


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USPFO for Illinois issues a sources-sought notice for M203 GrenadierModule Kits. The kits must include a M203 Adaptor Rail System,Quick Release Mount, and Leaf Sight. This is followed by asolicitation notice for the items.

November: ATEC extreme dust testing ends. Out of 60,000 roundsfired from each model, the number of stoppages are as follows:

WeaponClass 1 & 2

WeaponStoppages

Class 1 & 2MagazineStoppages

Class 3Stoppages

Total

XM8 98 18 11 127

Mk 16

SCAR-L191 19 16 226

HK416 210 9 14 233

M4 624 239 19 882


MARCORSYSCOM awards a $28,040 contract to FN for SCAR rifles.

MARCORSYSCOM Infantry Weapons Systems announces its intent toconduct a limited competition for the second phase (production) ofthe IAR project. The phase two competition is limited to thefollowing vendors who successfully responded to the phase one RFPwith a valid proposal: Colt, FN, General Dynamics, HK, KAC, andLeitner-Wise Rifle Company.

NSWC-Crane issues a solicitation for packing 500,000 rounds of5.56mm Dim Tracer into DODIC AA99 configuration. The

ammunition will be government furnished.

JSSAP issues a sources-sought notice for the continued maturationof developmental Lightweight Small Arms Systems (LSAS),including, but not limited to, caseless ammunition and lightweightweapon technology. Sources must be able to show existing

products, capabilities, technical expertise and management systemsthat have the following characteristics as a minimum:

A. Ammunition:


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1.Ammunition for this system must be a minimum of 35percent lighter than the currently available brass caseammunition. A 50 percent weight reduction is desired;

2.At least one of the ammunition concepts presented mustbe a non-nitrocellulose based caseless ammunitiontechnology. Additionally, an existing facility that can

support the immediate fabrication of this ammunitionmust be identified and described in detail; and

3.At least one ammunition technology presented must bematured to a technology readiness level (TRL) of 5, whichmeans that more than 500 rounds of this ammunitionhave been tested in a weapon or a simulated weapon(test barrel) under controlled conditions. It is desired thatall ammunition technologies be at a TRL 5 by February2008, including the non-nitrocellulose based caselessammunition.

B. Weapon System:1. This system must have the capability to fire the

lightweight ammunition described above, and mustinclude a light machine gun variant. The technology mustalso be adaptable to other small arms systems, i.e. rifles,carbines, medium machine guns;

2. The LMG variant should weigh no more than 11 pounds;the rifle variant should weigh no more than 7 pounds;

3. The LMG should be demonstrated to a TRL 5, whichrequires that the weapon or weapons have fired more

than 2,000 rounds of live ammunition under controlledconditions;

4.A developmental 3-D model must exist for the entireweapon system, including dynamic simulations of theweapon action;

5. The weapons must be designed to be highly reliable underall operating conditions. If actual test data is not available

to support this, a reliability analysis must be provided;and

6.A complete thermal analysis of the weapon andammunition system must be provided that shows any

potential thermal issues, along with a mitigation plan thataddresses these issues.

PEO-Simulation, Training and Instrumentation issues a sources-sought notice for OPFOR Rifle Surrogate Systems. These will bevisually similar to the AK-47 and SVD, but use standard 5.56mmand 7.62mm NATO blanks with MILES II training gear.

Lithuania adopts the HK G36.


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Jane's announces that the South African Army has decided toupgrade its R4 rifles rather than introduce a new type. The upgradedR4 will be fitted with Picatinny rails for mounting of optics, lights,and other accessories. Most soldiers will receive red dot sights whilethe two best shots in each section will be issued a low-magnificationtelescopic sight to enable them to act as designated marksmen. TheSouth African Army will also acquire a number of 40mm grenadelauncher attachments.

The Portuguese decision to adopt the HK G36 is overturned.

USAF Air Education and Training Command, Lackland AFB - 37CONS issues a sole-source solicitation to Olympic Arms for M16Cobalt Trainer Weapon parts.

JM&L LCMC issues a solicitation for 12,300 M249 Front Rail Kits witha 50 percent option.

TACOM issues a solicitation for M249 forward pistol grips.

MARCORSYSCOM awards a $24,885,386 contract to InsightTechnology for 2,192 Individual Weapon Night Sights, Thermal(IWNS-T). The IWNS-T will provide a RCO compatible night sight,able to be clipped on and off of the M16A4.

NSWC-Crane awards a $87,209 contract to Simunition for M16A2conversion kits.


ACA-Fort Polk awards a $50,450 delivery order to UTM Ltd. for M16Conversion Kits.

In response to the XM320 failure of Initial Operational Testing andDevelopmental Testing, Picatinny requests 50 additional XM320 and64 DNS, plus two sets each of improved parts for the XM320 andDNS. These will be provided at no cost to the Government forfurther Government Developmental Testing, Initial Operational

Testing and Logistics Demonstration testing.

Picatinny awards an additional $1,693,705 to ATK for the IndividualHEAB Weapon System Technology Development (TD) project.

NSWC-Crane awards a $650,000 contract to EOTech for ECOS-Cprototypes for the EGLM.

NAVICP awards $1,148,100 and $352,440 delivery orders to LMT forgrenade launchers.

Late: The US Army demands that units equipped with the HK 416


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begin turning them in for standard M4 and M4A1. Certain JSOCassets have reportedly avoided this, but the Asymmetric WarfareGroup cannot.

December: The press release the results of the ATEC extreme dusttrials. In response, PEO-Soldier BG Mark Brown defends the M4'sperformance noting "Extreme dust test does not replicate any typicalSoldier use or operational condition." Brown stresses that the testdid not address reliability in any typical operational condition, nordid it test weapons part service life or life-cycle maintenance costsor any other aspect of weapons effectiveness, such as suitability,survivability or other reliability and performance other than technicalreports in extreme dust conditions. However, improvements such ashammer forged barrels and improved magazines with strongersprings are listed as being under consideration.

TACOM awards a $2,563,400 contract modification to FNManufacturing for M16A4 for the USMC.

TACOM awards contracts to FN Manufacturing, Colt, and Bushmasterfor M16A3 and M16A4 production. FN Manufacturing's first deliveryorder for an undisclosed number of M16A4 is worth $33,670,649.Colt's first delivery order for 20,000 M16A4 for the USMC is worth$15,925,000. Bushmaster's first delivery order for 5,631 M16A3 forthe US Navy is worth $4,026,165.

TACOM awards a $209,629.44 delivery order to Colt for 64,460 M4.These are FMS to El Salvador. Later in the month, TACOM awardsColt another delivery order worth $75,859,897.40 for 1,660 M4.These are for the US Army and FMS to Colombia.

MARCORSYSCOM PG-13 Infantry Weapons Systems (IWS) issuessole-source solicitations to both FN Manufacturing and Colt for therefurbishment of M16A2 for Afghanistan.

Picatinny awards a $1,387,879.52 contract option to Winchester forM862 SRTA cartridges.

NSWC-Crane awards a $52,500 contract to Back Hills Ammunitionfor packing 5.56mm Dim Tracer ammunition.

The Canadian military agrees to donate 2,500 surplus C7 rifles to

the Afghan National Army along with ammunition and training.

TACOM awards a contract to Design West Aratech for up to 750,000BUIS for the M16A4 and M4. The first delivery order worth$1,812,120 is for 47,000 BUIS.

JM&L LCMC issues a solicitation for approximately 200,000M240B/M249 Sling Assemblies.

Picatinny awards a $2,274,300 delivery order to Design West


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Aratech for M249 Collapsible Buttstock Assemblies.

RDECOM, on behalf of PM-Soldier Sensors and Lasers issues asource-sought notice for COTS Weapon Mountable Lights (WL). TheWL will give soldiers the capability to employ a white light that issmall and lightweight, and that can be weapon-mounted or hand-held. The WL will be employed with the following weapons: M16A4modular weapons, M4/M4A1, M249 (threshold), and M240B(objective). Among the requirements are:

The WL must be able to mount on a MIL-STD-1913 rail,and be easily attached and detached by a soldier without special tools.

The WL shall have a fixed beam (threshold) or anadjustable beam (objective) that allows illumination ofa 20x30x8 feet darkened room or enclosure, and shallhave a facial recognition range of 20 meters(threshold), 25 meters (objective) inside a darkenedroom or enclosure.

The maximum WL weight with batteries, mountingmechanism, and remote cable shall be 10 ounces(threshold), 6 ounces (objective).

The WL shall be compatible with (shall not interferewith) day/night optics, aiming lights and other weaponaccessories.

The WL shall have dual activation controls, an on/offswitch which shall be located on the device housing anda wired remote control switch. The system shall also

have both a constant on/off and momentary lightcapabilities which includes a remote momentarycapability. A full-off control shall also be provided onthe device housing which will prevent activationcontrols from functioning. The WL must provide forone-handed, ambidextrous operation.

The WL operates on standard military or DOD-approved, commercially available batteries. Acceptablebattery performance with the light constantly on mustbe one hour. Degraded battery performance in extremetemperatures or with prolonged use of the light is

acceptable.

The WL shall include a set of detachable lens covers.The lens covers shall be interchangeable and consist ofred, blue, green, and dust cover. The WL shall have aninfrared (IR) capability (threshold).

The WL must be capable of being used when Soldiersare wearing the Army issued black leather glove withwool insert and must be compatible with NBCoperations and with the full ensemble of Mission


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Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) 4 gear when wornby the Soldier in any NBC environment.

The WL must be capable of being dropped from 3 feet(threshold), 5 feet (objective), without impactingoperational capability. The WL must be capable of beingimmersed in 3 feet or less of water or exposed tomoisture. If the WL uses incandescent bulbs, bulb life

must exceed 96 accumulative hours of use. The WL willoperate in 5 percent to 100 percent relative humiditywithout degradation of capability.

MARCORSYSCOM issues a source-sought notice for a M249 MachineGun Day Optic.

NSWC-Crane awards a $2,643 contract to Brownell's for thirty roundM16 magazines.

NSWC-Crane awards a $187,551 contract to Atlantic Diving Supplyfor reflex sights with M16 carry handle mounts.

NAVICP awards a $54,125 delivery order to KAC for rear sights.

NAVICP awards a $48,960 contract to Aimpoint.

USSOCOM awards a $18,105 contract to UTM Ltd. for M4 boltconversion kits.

USSOCOM awards a $7,000 contract to Simunition for 20 roundM16/M4 magazines.

The DLA issues a solicitation for Trijicon RX01M4A1 sights.

HK's Johannes Murello receivesUS Patent #7,311,032 titled"Firearms with gas pressure loading mechanisms."

RDECOM, on behalf of PM-Soldier Sensors and Lasers, reissues asources-sought notice for the rapid development and deployment of72,000 COTS/NDI rifle-mountable rangefinders for the XM320 GLM.

NSWC-Crane deallocates $15,118 from EOTech's contract for ECOS-C prototypes for the EGLM.

(Next: 5.56mm 2008)

byDaniel E. Watters,Small Arms Historian

Re tu r n t o To p o f P a g e

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The 5.56 x 45mm - 2007 - A Chronology of Development (Part 18) - By Daniel Watters

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Transcript of The 5.56 x 45mm - 2007 - A Chronology of Development (Part 18) - By Daniel Watters