Posted on 01/03/2017 11:12:22 AM PST by C19fan
The Army is creating a new, lightweight version of its iconic .50-cal machine gun designed to better enable Soldiers to destroy enemies, protect convoys, mount weapons on vehicles, attack targets on the move and transport between missions. The new weapon, engineered to be 20-to-30 percent lighter than the existing M2, will be made of durable, but lighter weight titanium, Army officials said.
(Excerpt) Read more at scout.com ...
Sounds like a great idea. Any word on when we can expect to see old parts kits at Cheaper than Dirt? :)
Of course this 50 cal is for shooting Equipment Only!
Amazing the design has lasted almost 100 years.
I think I would rather have three of the old M2s than one new titanium version.
The three guys who have to carry around the old M2s might disagree with you.
Probably comes with an attorney and a 500 ROE manual.
500 page
I have no idea but I checked the spot market on Ferro Titanium and found that Titanium prices have be on a steady decline. Price is down to $3.65/Kg from $5.00/Kg a year ago and $8.00/Kg 5 years ago.
So in my judgement this is a great idea and I would not be surprised to find that this is the coming trend. I think it would be it especially good idea for aircraft guns. Imagine the benefit of changing out the canon in the A10 with titanium barrels. You might get an extra hour loiter time.
I understand that, but the M2s were in short supply during Desert Storm and they were a real game changer. If making them lighter means that fewer of them will be deployed, it's not a good trade off.
We used them as vehicle mounted systems and for defense, so the additional weight wasn't a real disadvantage.
I was on a project for the navy that was working on a replacement for a munitions trailer. Everything was going according to plan until the Navy decided they wanted them made out of titanium instead of aluminum. At that point the cost skyrocketed. Titanium is harder to machine and more expensive than aluminum or steel. The Navy ended up cancelling the project due to the substantial additional costs.
old != good
old != bad
Old = old
new != good
new != bad
new = new
I’ll wait for the thing to be developed and tested. It may be just what we need. It may be a dog. We’ll find out.
(I picked up and held my first Uzi over Christmas. I could not believe the WEIGHT for such a small gun, I though it would weigh half that (and this was without ammo)). I can’t imagine what a gun this size would weigh, even made from titanium.
It seems like the first step should be with the rules of engagement.
It seems like the first step should be with the rules of engagement.
Hmmm 20-30% lighter. Some of the battlefield accuracy comes from the weight of that platform. Wonder if the “beaten zone” will get larger.
KYPD
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