New integrated assault rifle concept for Canada
Colt Canada and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) have developed a new integrated assault rifle concept for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the latter announced on 9 February.
The prototype includes a firing mechanism for shooting lightweight cased telescoped ammunition. It has a secondary effects module for greater firepower and a NATO standard power and data rail that can integrate accessories such as position sensors and electro-optical sights.
The secondary effects module is designed to be fitted with a 12-gauge shotgun or a three-round, 40mm grenade launcher. Once optimised, the prototype can weigh less than a C7 with an M203 grenade launcher.
Lt. Col. Serge Lapointe, soldier systems group, Canadian Army, said: 'In the medium term, this weapon concept represents a lethal, flexible general-purpose platform.'
He added: 'It will be able to operate in all theatres of operations in the most complex terrain including urban areas, mountains, jungles, deserts and the Arctic.'
The prototype has been in development since 2009 under the soldier integrated precision effects systems project. In the next development phase, assisted target engagement and automated target detection will be studied in depth under the future small arms research project. The data from this project and from the DRDC will be used to develop the technical criteria that will form part of the operational requirement documentation for the CAF small arms modernisation project.
More from Land Warfare
-
Malaysian defence update: Key programmes under spotlight at DSA 2024
The Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur from 6–9 March will feature updates on Malaysia’s defence programmes, including the signing of Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships and procurement plans for medium lift helicopters.
-
Hensoldt to send more TRML-4D radars to Ukraine
The Hensoldt TRML-4D, an air-defence radar based on the maritime TRS-4D radar, has been designed to provide similar scanning and surveillance capabilities to forces on land.
-
Germany joins CAVS 6x6 AFV R&D programme
The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme started in 2019 involving Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Germany has now been joined in the research and development (R&D) phase.
-
Support and commitments continue for Ukraine
Billions of dollars and many tons of equipment have been sent to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia over the past two years with funds and material continuing to be committed as a frontline stalemate drags on.
-
Oshkosh unveils improved MTVR as 4x4 variant
Oshkosh has produced more than 10,000 6x6 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) for the US Mariine Corps and US Navy ‘Seabees’ (US Naval Construction Battalions), which have been operating off-road missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.
-
Franco-German next-generation tank project moves forward
The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme was initiated in June 2018 when France and Germany signed a Letter of Intent to develop a common next-generation main battle tank (MBT) platform.