Okay, if you want REAL innovation...I give you the HK G-11 caseless rifle!
Caliber: 4.7 mm caseless
Action: Gas operated, rotating breech
Overall length: 750 mm
Barrel length: 540 mm
Weigth: 3.6 kg empty
Magazine capacity: 50 or 45 rds
It put out a three-shot burst at 3,000 rounds per minute, since it had no need of an extraction system. The rounds were totally encased in their propellant, which was solid. The magazine was positioned on top of the barrel, and the piece was cocked by the knob on the buttstock. It used a 3x scope.
For a while, it looked like the Bundeswher would adopt it, but it was put aside after the Wall fell, and more conventional designs were pursued. Don't ask me why.
It was also looked at as an M16 replacement, back in the '80s.
For a while, it looked like the Bundeswher would adopt it, but it was put aside after the Wall fell, and more conventional designs were pursued. Don't ask me why After the wall fell Germany had serious economic problems propping up its eastern half.
Also, what does one do with such a weapon if there is a misfire (dud round). How do you eject the dud?
The problem was the caseless ammo. The magazine spring tension would crumble the case and there was no easy way of cleaning it out.
The "Delta Force - Land Warrior" Computer game uses the G-11 and the OICW.