JOHNNY SEVEN OMA TOY GUN

At least in that commercial Joe had flamethrowers, hand grenades, and rifles.

After he grew a beard, he battled snakes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlPu6PXw394

The "Adventure Team" was Hasbro's way of trying to keep GI Joe sales up during the anti-Vietnam war era.

You can still buy Turkish Taffy...but it is called French Chew now. Tastes exactly the same as Bonomo!

Neither did girls who played with them. :) Had a "rifle" that shot yellow rubbery oversized bbs and a cap gun. You could pump that little plastic rifle up pretty good too.

Didn't put anyone's eye out either.

I bought Bonono’s Turkish Taffy a couple of weeks ago. Vanilla and Chocolate flavor. It’s just as I remember.

Some entrepreneurs bought the name, logos and recipes and are remaking the treat.

http://www.candy.com/Bonomo-Turkish-Taffy-24-Count_p_13146.html

One of my best-remembered Christmas presents evah. I even became a relatively normal adult.

Now that was QUICK!!

Gary Oldman is one of my GF’s fave actors. I’m kinda partial to his skills too, truth be told. But I’d MUCH rather look at Milla Jovovich!

Thanks :) - now I’m going to have to go shopping......

Yeah, buddy. "Choke hazard" = "fun" twenty...no, thirty...(sob!) fifty years ago...

Tommy Burst Machine Gun Fun

Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW)

Selectable Assault Battle Rifle (SABR)

Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) will be a light weight weapon capable of firing kinetic energy projectiles and an air-bursting fragmentation munition. It will allow soldiers to effectively attack targets at greater ranges, and to attack targets in defilade. It combines leading edge technologies in miniaturized fuzing; integrated fire control; light weight, high strength materials; and munitions effects. OICW will increase the lethality and survivability of the individual soldier. It is the sole lethality component of the Dismounted Battle Lab's 21st Century Land Warrior (21 CLW) Top Level Demonstration.

The OICW provides an all-new level of capability at extended ranges against exposed targets and against targets in defilade. It is intended for the infantry who are in the direct line of battle or 'at the tip of the sword.' The OICW is the lethality upgrade for the Force XXI soldier and is intended to replace the M-16A4 modular weapons, which will be the current Land Warrior weapons. How many will be replaced in each of these frontline squads is under analysis. As the OICW works its way into the force structure, it appears that modular weapons will supplant M-16A2 rifles and M-4 carbines. Because of the large number of these already in the force and because of budget limitations, there will be a coexistence of the various weapons for the foreseeable future, following initial fielding of the OICW.

Advanced technology ammunition will continue to play an increasingly critical role on future battlefields, allowing individual soldiers to engage targets with lethal precision under conditions difficult to imagine for the current generation of infantrymen. That's the premise of the Army's latest generation rifle, the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), otherwise known as the Selectable Assault Battle Rifle (SABR). The target unit cost for SABR is $10,000, with initial fielding of 40,000 units.

SABR is a modular weapon system, consisting of the Fire Control System (FCS); a "kinetic energy" component comprised of a short 5.56mm rifle barrel and trigger group from the Heckler & Koch 036 assault rifle; and the grenade launcher consisting of a magazine-fed, semiautomatic 2Omm grenade launcher barrel and an action and recoil absorption mechanism. While the present generation SABR weighs about 18 pounds, the goal for production units is 14 pounds, or about the weight of the current M16/M203 with optical sight. The FCS, along with the 20mm ammunition, is the key to the system's capability. The FCS incorporates a laser rangefinder, 3X day optic, 3X night/thermal imaging optic, TV mode with CCD camera that can double the effective image magnification day or night, and the microprocessing components. The microprocessing component computes the "full ballistic solution" to destroy a designated target and program the system's primary ammunition: 2Omm high explosive fragmentation grenades. Based on the desired effects on target, the operator can program the FCS to detonate grenades in one of four modes: "Bursting" selects an above ground, 3-5m airburst.

"Point Detonation" will detonate the grenade when it impacts resistance. "Point Detonation-Delay" briefly delays detonation after impact, enhancing effects on semi-hard targets like car doors or light structures. "Window" commands an airburst at an operator specified range beyond a specific aiming point, enhancing effectiveness against soft targets inside windows or open doors.

The Objective Individual Combat Weapon Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) provides an enhanced capability for the 21st century infantryman, with the potential to selectively replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, and M4 carbine. The fire control system (FCS), using a laser range finder, pinpoints the precise target range at which the HE round will burst and relays this information to the 20mm ammunition fuzing system. Fragments from the bursting munition will defeat PASGT armor. The sighting system provides full 24-hour capability by employing uncooled IR sensor technology for night vision.

The OICW dramatically increases soldier survivability, has the ability to defeat enemies in defilade, and is five times more effective at twice the range of today's conventional infantry systems. Specific goals include demonstration of hit probability greater than 0.5 out to 500 meters and 0.3 to 0.5 out to 1,000 meters. Effectiveness against personnel and light armor targets, given a hit, will be greater than those of the M433 High Explosive Dual Purpose cartridge fired from the M203 Grenade Launcher and the M855 cartridge fired from the M16A2 rifle. Specific goals include a 0.5 probability of incapacitation to 300 meters (point target) and a 0.2 probability of incapacitation to 300 meters (defilade target) in FY99.

Program guidelines were derived from the Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) and Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP). OICW-ATD is managed by JSSAP and will provide superior firepower to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Navy, and Coast Guard.

On 04 August 2000 Alliant Techsystems Integrated Defense Co., LLC, Hopkins, Minn., was awarded a $6,946,000 increment as part of a $95,426,483 cost-plus-award-fee contract for research and development to advance the state-of-the-art Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PD&RR). Work will be performed in Hopkins, Minn., and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of FY04. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was an announcement in the Commerce Business Daily on Nov. 5, 1999, and one bid was received.

Key Program Capabilities

■500 percent increase in probability of incapacitation
■New soldier capability to defeat targets in defilade
■Effective range to 1,000 meters
■Day/night fire control; wireless weapon interface
■Substantial weight reduction
■Ergonomic design

System Features

■Lethality Capability: 20MM High Explosive (Air Bursting) projectiles and 5.56MM Kinetic Energy projectiles
■Weapon Length: < 33 in
■Weapon Weight: < 12 lbs
■Rates of Fire: 20MM - 10 RPM, 5.56MM - equal to M16A2
■Range: 20MM - 1,000 meters, 5.56MM equal to or better than M16A2.
■Combination 5.56mm and 20mm HE
■Single trigger control for both barrels ■Ambidextrous weapon and switches
■Simple red dot day/night sighting system
■Laser adjustment for targets in buildings and in defilade
■Unique recoil mitigation and tactical operational awareness

Technology Advancements

■Weapon recoil mitigation
■Fuzing miniaturization and accuracy
■Warhead performance and packaging
■Target acquisition and man in the loop
■Laser ranging accuracy at extended ranges
■Extensive composite use

OICW-ATD Program Schedule

Phase 1: Study complete 12/94.

Phase 2: System design and subsystem demonstration complete 2/96.

Phase 3: Prototype system demonstration in fall1997/Jan 98.

Phase 4/5: Hardware build/live-fire simulation begins 4/98.

Fielding of first unit equipped in 2005.

OICW gives the infantry soldier a capability to acquire targets and precisely detonate an air bursting 20mm projectile approximately 1 meter over the threat. It can also detonate on impact. These capabilities are required out to ranges 2–3 times the existing M16/M4/M203 system, or up to 10 football fields. The system provides both an integrated day and night battlefield sight capability allowing effective weapon usage 24 hours a day.

The OICW fires the same round as an M16A2 with the lower barrel, 5.56 mm, and can fire in either a single shot or two-round burst. The upper barrel fires a 20 mm high-explosive air-bursting fragmentation round at a distance of more than half a mile away. A six-round magazine in the butt of the rifle holds the HE rounds. The 20 mm round has a dual warhead which makes it lethal on both sides and gives complete coverage when it explodes. The round is air-bursting, and explodes at 1.5 meters above the target. This works especially well if the enemy is hiding behind an object or is lying prone on the ground.

The OICW has a window mode that can be used to reach the enemy inside a building. A normal round will explode upon impact of a window, limiting its destructive power. In the window mode, once the round strikes the window it delays exploding by a few milliseconds so the lethal area is increased inside a room. The round can also go through thin metal with the same effect. A safety mode does exist, in that the rounds have an 8-second self-destruct mode. After being fired, the round will explode in 8 seconds regardless of impact. This insures that no unexploded rounds are left on the battle field.

The sight of the OICW uses Direct View Optics with Video Enhancements. The Direct View Optics will be similar to looking at a television screen. The image can be magnified three times and will include an electronic compass on the screen.

The system should be rugged enough to withstand military use, including airborne and shipboard operations without degradation of the OICW s performance. The OICW will be effective from the standing, crouching, kneeling, sitting, prone, and foxhole positions.

The OICW weapon will consist of two separable subsystems, an HE module, and a KE module, with a single trigger and selector switch that operate both subsystems and interacts with the TA/FCS automatic fuze programming. The KE module will utilize standard 5.56mm ammunition and have semi-automatic and burst modes equivalent to the M4 carbine. The HE subsystem will fire the HEAB ammunition in all four fuzing modes. The weapon will be as reliable as the M16 rifle/M4.

The full-solution fire control begins with the soldier lasing to the target for a range reading. The range is fed into the ballistic computer, and the data is transmitted to the HEAB round inductively. The fire control system provides the appropriate adjusted aim point for the target to the chambered round. The round is fired and explodes at the precise range over the target with devastating effect. The system provides greater than five times the lethality at twice the range of today's conventional systems and, at the same time, reduces soldier combat exposure time, enhancing survivability.

The ruggedized, compact, single, integrated full solution day/night target acquisition/fire control system (TA/FCS) capable of operations without environmentally caused degradation of performance. The TA/FCS will have a direct view powered optic mode, thermal sighting mode, and a television/camera mode all with automatic, ballistically adjusted reticles. It will include a laser range finder; a compass, cant and inclinometer; an environmental sensor suite; a combat identification module and an infrared aiming light; laser illuminator pointer; and embedded training. It will include automatic fuze programming to arm the HEAB in any of the following modes: burst, point detonating, point detonating delay and window (detonating delay after passing through a window). It will contain a full ballistic algorithm to facilitate accurate placement of the airburst munition on target incorporating data from environmental and attitude sensors.

OICWs weight fielding goal of 14 pounds is 10 to 30% less weight than the current M16/M4/M203 systems. When comparable features such as Thermal Weapon Sight, Optic Sight, Rails, Aiming Light, Leaf Sight and Laser are added, the standard infantry soldier carries 15 to 19 pounds. This weight includes only 1 (30 round) magazine of the 5.56mm and 1 round of 40mm HE ammo. The OICW’s 20mm HE round weighs only 1/4 pound compared to the M203’s 40mm round weight of 1/2 pound – a 50% comparison weight savings with substantially more effectiveness. The 18 rounds of 40mm ammunition in a soldier’s vest weigh 9 pounds. If a soldier was carrying 18 rounds of 20mm the weight is 4 1/2 pounds.

The M203 40mm combat round costs approximately $20. OICW’s 20mm round was projected in FY99 to be $20-$30 each. Cost effectiveness is a critical measurement to consider. Given OICW’s significant edge in effectiveness (5 times more at 300 meters) an engagement cost for the existing M203 would be $80-100 to achieve what a single $30 OICW round can do.

OICW Increment 1 / 2 / 3

An early 2003 strategy change at the Program Executive Office, Soldier sped up the development of a potential replacement of the Army's assault weapons. They moved from an "evolutionary approach" to "spiral development." Under the evolution strategy, developers planned to build a complete system, then improve on it. The first built would be about an 80 percent solution. The second about 90 percent and the third would be 100 percent. That approach would take too long to get new technology in the soldiers' hands. Under the spiral approach, the team broke the system into subsystems. This allows the parts to mature individually before being integrated into a single system. Increment 1 consists of the competition with the XM8 and other weapon systems to replace the M16 rifle, M4 carbine, and M249. Current shotguns will be replaced by a modular shotgun system mounted on the OICW Increment 1 winner (XM26 LSS). OICW increment 2 is the airburst weapon (the XM25). The M204 will be replaced by a combination of the OICW Increment 2 and OICW increment 3. The M249 will also partially be replaced by a Light Machine Gun (JSSAP/PMSW), which is the successor to the M60 and M240.

Following the increase of the caliber of OICW grenade launcher component from 20mm to 25mm [the same as used in the OCSW], in July 2004 it was decided to split the OICW system into two separate weapons, the 5.56mm XM8 modular assault rifle (OICW Increment 1), and the 25mm XM25 airburst assault weapon / grenade launcher (OICW Increment 2). Development of the complete XM29 (OICW Increment 3) system was shelved, and will be resumed once the OICW Increment 1 and 2 components are developed, and weight constraints of entire system are met.

The OICW Increment 1 builds on the ?exibility of the existing Modular Weapon System (MWS). It sets the stage for future scalable, modular effects that allow the tactical commander to tailor the capability and weight to meet the needs of any operation. It will be the foundation for a family of small arms that features commonality of parts, interface, and updated training that more closely matches tactical reality.

Variants of the OICW (carbine, special compact (SC), designated marksman (DM) and light machine gun (LMG)) will ?ll a variety of roles throughout the Current and Future Forces and the US military at large. The OICW Increment I will replace the M16/ M4 family of small arms and other weapon requirements (M203 grenade launcher, M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) and selected M9 pistols) throughout the U.S. Army. Other US Armed Services or government agencies may adopt it to suit their needs.

Subsequent increments (Increments II and III) will include new and advanced technologies that will enable the development and ?elding of lighter weight and improved ammunitions, nonlethal munitions, precision high-explosive airburst (HEAB) munitions systems, embedded training and simulators, lighter-weight direct-view sights, improved multifunctional lasers, micro electro-mechanical systems, nano-explosives, maneuverable projectiles, advanced shaped-charge designs, electronic fusing and improved materials that will increase operational readiness and effectiveness as well as reduce total life-cycle costs.

The OICW Increment 1 will be compatible with the digital battle?eld and will provide the lethality upgrade for the Land Warrior program. The Army is still completing capabilities documentation for this system.

[Still Completing documentation, indeed, During one test/demonstration of the 20mm grenade launcher ammunition, a round detonated immediately on leaving the barrel, killing the civilian ordnance tech demonstrating the unit. There are, apparantly, still some bugs to be worked out.]

Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW)

Selectable Assault Battle Rifle (SABR)

Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) will be a light weight weapon capable of firing kinetic energy projectiles and an air-bursting fragmentation munition. It will allow soldiers to effectively attack targets at greater ranges, and to attack targets in defilade. It combines leading edge technologies in miniaturized fuzing; integrated fire control; light weight, high strength materials; and munitions effects. OICW will increase the lethality and survivability of the individual soldier. It is the sole lethality component of the Dismounted Battle Lab's 21st Century Land Warrior (21 CLW) Top Level Demonstration.

The OICW provides an all-new level of capability at extended ranges against exposed targets and against targets in defilade. It is intended for the infantry who are in the direct line of battle or 'at the tip of the sword.' The OICW is the lethality upgrade for the Force XXI soldier and is intended to replace the M-16A4 modular weapons, which will be the current Land Warrior weapons. How many will be replaced in each of these frontline squads is under analysis. As the OICW works its way into the force structure, it appears that modular weapons will supplant M-16A2 rifles and M-4 carbines. Because of the large number of these already in the force and because of budget limitations, there will be a coexistence of the various weapons for the foreseeable future, following initial fielding of the OICW.

Advanced technology ammunition will continue to play an increasingly critical role on future battlefields, allowing individual soldiers to engage targets with lethal precision under conditions difficult to imagine for the current generation of infantrymen. That's the premise of the Army's latest generation rifle, the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), otherwise known as the Selectable Assault Battle Rifle (SABR). The target unit cost for SABR is $10,000, with initial fielding of 40,000 units.

SABR is a modular weapon system, consisting of the Fire Control System (FCS); a "kinetic energy" component comprised of a short 5.56mm rifle barrel and trigger group from the Heckler & Koch 036 assault rifle; and the grenade launcher consisting of a magazine-fed, semiautomatic 2Omm grenade launcher barrel and an action and recoil absorption mechanism. While the present generation SABR weighs about 18 pounds, the goal for production units is 14 pounds, or about the weight of the current M16/M203 with optical sight. The FCS, along with the 20mm ammunition, is the key to the system's capability. The FCS incorporates a laser rangefinder, 3X day optic, 3X night/thermal imaging optic, TV mode with CCD camera that can double the effective image magnification day or night, and the microprocessing components. The microprocessing component computes the "full ballistic solution" to destroy a designated target and program the system's primary ammunition: 2Omm high explosive fragmentation grenades. Based on the desired effects on target, the operator can program the FCS to detonate grenades in one of four modes: "Bursting" selects an above ground, 3-5m airburst.

"Point Detonation" will detonate the grenade when it impacts resistance. "Point Detonation-Delay" briefly delays detonation after impact, enhancing effects on semi-hard targets like car doors or light structures. "Window" commands an airburst at an operator specified range beyond a specific aiming point, enhancing effectiveness against soft targets inside windows or open doors.

The Objective Individual Combat Weapon Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) provides an enhanced capability for the 21st century infantryman, with the potential to selectively replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, and M4 carbine. The fire control system (FCS), using a laser range finder, pinpoints the precise target range at which the HE round will burst and relays this information to the 20mm ammunition fuzing system. Fragments from the bursting munition will defeat PASGT armor. The sighting system provides full 24-hour capability by employing uncooled IR sensor technology for night vision.

The OICW dramatically increases soldier survivability, has the ability to defeat enemies in defilade, and is five times more effective at twice the range of today's conventional infantry systems. Specific goals include demonstration of hit probability greater than 0.5 out to 500 meters and 0.3 to 0.5 out to 1,000 meters. Effectiveness against personnel and light armor targets, given a hit, will be greater than those of the M433 High Explosive Dual Purpose cartridge fired from the M203 Grenade Launcher and the M855 cartridge fired from the M16A2 rifle. Specific goals include a 0.5 probability of incapacitation to 300 meters (point target) and a 0.2 probability of incapacitation to 300 meters (defilade target) in FY99.

Program guidelines were derived from the Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) and Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP). OICW-ATD is managed by JSSAP and will provide superior firepower to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Navy, and Coast Guard.

On 04 August 2000 Alliant Techsystems Integrated Defense Co., LLC, Hopkins, Minn., was awarded a $6,946,000 increment as part of a $95,426,483 cost-plus-award-fee contract for research and development to advance the state-of-the-art Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PD&RR). Work will be performed in Hopkins, Minn., and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of FY04. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was an announcement in the Commerce Business Daily on Nov. 5, 1999, and one bid was received.

Key Program Capabilities

■500 percent increase in probability of incapacitation
■New soldier capability to defeat targets in defilade
■Effective range to 1,000 meters
■Day/night fire control; wireless weapon interface
■Substantial weight reduction
■Ergonomic design

System Features

■Lethality Capability: 20MM High Explosive (Air Bursting) projectiles and 5.56MM Kinetic Energy projectiles
■Weapon Length: < 33 in
■Weapon Weight: < 12 lbs
■Rates of Fire: 20MM - 10 RPM, 5.56MM - equal to M16A2
■Range: 20MM - 1,000 meters, 5.56MM equal to or better than M16A2.
■Combination 5.56mm and 20mm HE
■Single trigger control for both barrels ■Ambidextrous weapon and switches
■Simple red dot day/night sighting system
■Laser adjustment for targets in buildings and in defilade
■Unique recoil mitigation and tactical operational awareness

Technology Advancements

■Weapon recoil mitigation
■Fuzing miniaturization and accuracy
■Warhead performance and packaging
■Target acquisition and man in the loop
■Laser ranging accuracy at extended ranges
■Extensive composite use

OICW-ATD Program Schedule

Phase 1: Study complete 12/94.

Phase 2: System design and subsystem demonstration complete 2/96.

Phase 3: Prototype system demonstration in fall1997/Jan 98.

Phase 4/5: Hardware build/live-fire simulation begins 4/98.

Fielding of first unit equipped in 2005.

OICW gives the infantry soldier a capability to acquire targets and precisely detonate an air bursting 20mm projectile approximately 1 meter over the threat. It can also detonate on impact. These capabilities are required out to ranges 2–3 times the existing M16/M4/M203 system, or up to 10 football fields. The system provides both an integrated day and night battlefield sight capability allowing effective weapon usage 24 hours a day.

The OICW fires the same round as an M16A2 with the lower barrel, 5.56 mm, and can fire in either a single shot or two-round burst. The upper barrel fires a 20 mm high-explosive air-bursting fragmentation round at a distance of more than half a mile away. A six-round magazine in the butt of the rifle holds the HE rounds. The 20 mm round has a dual warhead which makes it lethal on both sides and gives complete coverage when it explodes. The round is air-bursting, and explodes at 1.5 meters above the target. This works especially well if the enemy is hiding behind an object or is lying prone on the ground.

The OICW has a window mode that can be used to reach the enemy inside a building. A normal round will explode upon impact of a window, limiting its destructive power. In the window mode, once the round strikes the window it delays exploding by a few milliseconds so the lethal area is increased inside a room. The round can also go through thin metal with the same effect. A safety mode does exist, in that the rounds have an 8-second self-destruct mode. After being fired, the round will explode in 8 seconds regardless of impact. This insures that no unexploded rounds are left on the battle field.

The sight of the OICW uses Direct View Optics with Video Enhancements. The Direct View Optics will be similar to looking at a television screen. The image can be magnified three times and will include an electronic compass on the screen.

The system should be rugged enough to withstand military use, including airborne and shipboard operations without degradation of the OICW s performance. The OICW will be effective from the standing, crouching, kneeling, sitting, prone, and foxhole positions.

The OICW weapon will consist of two separable subsystems, an HE module, and a KE module, with a single trigger and selector switch that operate both subsystems and interacts with the TA/FCS automatic fuze programming. The KE module will utilize standard 5.56mm ammunition and have semi-automatic and burst modes equivalent to the M4 carbine. The HE subsystem will fire the HEAB ammunition in all four fuzing modes. The weapon will be as reliable as the M16 rifle/M4.

The full-solution fire control begins with the soldier lasing to the target for a range reading. The range is fed into the ballistic computer, and the data is transmitted to the HEAB round inductively. The fire control system provides the appropriate adjusted aim point for the target to the chambered round. The round is fired and explodes at the precise range over the target with devastating effect. The system provides greater than five times the lethality at twice the range of today's conventional systems and, at the same time, reduces soldier combat exposure time, enhancing survivability.

The ruggedized, compact, single, integrated full solution day/night target acquisition/fire control system (TA/FCS) capable of operations without environmentally caused degradation of performance. The TA/FCS will have a direct view powered optic mode, thermal sighting mode, and a television/camera mode all with automatic, ballistically adjusted reticles. It will include a laser range finder; a compass, cant and inclinometer; an environmental sensor suite; a combat identification module and an infrared aiming light; laser illuminator pointer; and embedded training. It will include automatic fuze programming to arm the HEAB in any of the following modes: burst, point detonating, point detonating delay and window (detonating delay after passing through a window). It will contain a full ballistic algorithm to facilitate accurate placement of the airburst munition on target incorporating data from environmental and attitude sensors.

OICWs weight fielding goal of 14 pounds is 10 to 30% less weight than the current M16/M4/M203 systems. When comparable features such as Thermal Weapon Sight, Optic Sight, Rails, Aiming Light, Leaf Sight and Laser are added, the standard infantry soldier carries 15 to 19 pounds. This weight includes only 1 (30 round) magazine of the 5.56mm and 1 round of 40mm HE ammo. The OICW’s 20mm HE round weighs only 1/4 pound compared to the M203’s 40mm round weight of 1/2 pound – a 50% comparison weight savings with substantially more effectiveness. The 18 rounds of 40mm ammunition in a soldier’s vest weigh 9 pounds. If a soldier was carrying 18 rounds of 20mm the weight is 4 1/2 pounds.

The M203 40mm combat round costs approximately $20. OICW’s 20mm round was projected in FY99 to be $20-$30 each. Cost effectiveness is a critical measurement to consider. Given OICW’s significant edge in effectiveness (5 times more at 300 meters) an engagement cost for the existing M203 would be $80-100 to achieve what a single $30 OICW round can do.

OICW Increment 1 / 2 / 3

An early 2003 strategy change at the Program Executive Office, Soldier sped up the development of a potential replacement of the Army's assault weapons. They moved from an "evolutionary approach" to "spiral development." Under the evolution strategy, developers planned to build a complete system, then improve on it. The first built would be about an 80 percent solution. The second about 90 percent and the third would be 100 percent. That approach would take too long to get new technology in the soldiers' hands. Under the spiral approach, the team broke the system into subsystems. This allows the parts to mature individually before being integrated into a single system. Increment 1 consists of the competition with the XM8 and other weapon systems to replace the M16 rifle, M4 carbine, and M249. Current shotguns will be replaced by a modular shotgun system mounted on the OICW Increment 1 winner (XM26 LSS). OICW increment 2 is the airburst weapon (the XM25). The M204 will be replaced by a combination of the OICW Increment 2 and OICW increment 3. The M249 will also partially be replaced by a Light Machine Gun (JSSAP/PMSW), which is the successor to the M60 and M240.

Following the increase of the caliber of OICW grenade launcher component from 20mm to 25mm [the same as used in the OCSW], in July 2004 it was decided to split the OICW system into two separate weapons, the 5.56mm XM8 modular assault rifle (OICW Increment 1), and the 25mm XM25 airburst assault weapon / grenade launcher (OICW Increment 2). Development of the complete XM29 (OICW Increment 3) system was shelved, and will be resumed once the OICW Increment 1 and 2 components are developed, and weight constraints of entire system are met.

The OICW Increment 1 builds on the ?exibility of the existing Modular Weapon System (MWS). It sets the stage for future scalable, modular effects that allow the tactical commander to tailor the capability and weight to meet the needs of any operation. It will be the foundation for a family of small arms that features commonality of parts, interface, and updated training that more closely matches tactical reality.

Variants of the OICW (carbine, special compact (SC), designated marksman (DM) and light machine gun (LMG)) will ?ll a variety of roles throughout the Current and Future Forces and the US military at large. The OICW Increment I will replace the M16/ M4 family of small arms and other weapon requirements (M203 grenade launcher, M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) and selected M9 pistols) throughout the U.S. Army. Other US Armed Services or government agencies may adopt it to suit their needs.

Subsequent increments (Increments II and III) will include new and advanced technologies that will enable the development and ?elding of lighter weight and improved ammunitions, nonlethal munitions, precision high-explosive airburst (HEAB) munitions systems, embedded training and simulators, lighter-weight direct-view sights, improved multifunctional lasers, micro electro-mechanical systems, nano-explosives, maneuverable projectiles, advanced shaped-charge designs, electronic fusing and improved materials that will increase operational readiness and effectiveness as well as reduce total life-cycle costs.

The OICW Increment 1 will be compatible with the digital battle?eld and will provide the lethality upgrade for the Land Warrior program. The Army is still completing capabilities documentation for this system.

[Still Completing documentation, indeed, During one test/demonstration of the 20mm grenade launcher ammunition, a round detonated immediately on leaving the barrel, killing the civilian ordnance tech demonstrating the unit. There are, apparantly, still some bugs to be worked out.]

Very cool. And effective, I bet.

“There are, apparantly, still some bugs to be worked out.] “

Oops. Well, I still want the updated version.

Suppose they’ll send me one? ;0)