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2004-11-17 Home Front: Tech

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Posted by Steve 2004-11-17 2:19:28 PM|| || Front Page|| [4 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Just recalls that the Army copy of the German MG didn't pass tests in WWII only to find out later the contractor made some errors in duplication. It would be much later the Army would adopt the M60 MG which is very similar to the German model, vice the Browning models.
If the services are once again getting out of the standardization mode for their own 'unique' weapons, like they've done on uniforms, the costs are going to compounded. There has got to be a balance between getting what the servicemembers REALLY needs in their hands and what some think they need driven by trying to get the last 5% capability out of a new system. Perfect is the enemy of just good enough. It also has the consequence of making $500 hammer contracts.

Posted by Don 2004-11-17 3:25:58 PM|| 2004-11-17 3:25:58 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 Are any of these new weapons using the metal storm technology? I'm not saying they need to fire a million rounds a minute but having no moving parts has to be an advantage when it comes to cleaning the thing.

Posted by rjschwarz 2004-11-17 3:38:09 PM|| [http://politicaljunky.blogspot.com] 2004-11-17 3:38:09 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Is metal storm operational anywhere?

Posted by Mrs. Davis 2004-11-17 3:51:47 PM|| 2004-11-17 3:51:47 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 LOL. Only in Formula Uno Mrs. D.

Posted by Shipman 2004-11-17 5:05:33 PM|| 2004-11-17 5:05:33 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Okay, so what about the other rumors I've heard, which is that (1)Everybody will go over to the 6.8mm SPC round, (2)M-16s will be retrofitted with Barrett uppers to facilitate this change, and (3)XM-8s will be chambered for 6.8mm SPC from the get-go? This is getting logistically complex, which, as Don noted, can be expensive and potentially dangerous.

Posted by Jonathan 2004-11-17 8:04:16 PM|| [http://www.workaround.blogspot.com] 2004-11-17 8:04:16 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Mrs. D, no Metal Storm is not even close to being operational anywhere. It requires special ammunition which is not part of the current logistical train. Interesting technology though and it offers mor benefits than just super-high rate of fire.

Jonathan, it would be Ronnie Barrett's dream that everyone went over to his 6.8 upper, but I would not hold your breath.

Posted by Remoteman 2004-11-17 8:18:59 PM|| 2004-11-17 8:18:59 PM|| Front Page Top

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