[SGTGunn]

Hi,

The OICWS a.k.a. the XM29 has been split into two seperate weapons systems, the XM8 Rifle and the XM25 Grenade Launcher. As a result of developmental problems withe the 20mm airbursting ammuntion, the caliber was upped to 25mm which would have made an already too bulky weapon system even more unwieldy. The XM8, made by H&K is heavily modified G36 as was intended to replace the M-4/M-16 series rifles. The XM25 is a magaizine fed 25mm stand-alone grenade launcher intended to replace the M203 40mm grenade launcher. It will be able to fire flechette, hight explosive air bursting, thermobaric and non-leathal ammunition and uses an advanced computerized sighting system. The 25mm ammo is the same used by the XM307 OCSW, which will replace the MK19 and in some cases the M2 .50 cal. As of November, the XM8 project has apparently been put on hold as operational experience from Iraq & Afghanistan has called into question the effectivness of the 5.56mm round. As far as I can tell, the XM25 is still on track, and may begin field testing in the next year or two.

In the US OOB slot 081 is the M29 OICWS. 082 is the M25, though it is incorrectly listed as 20mm. Slot 215 is the M307, and 009 is the M8 Rifle. 049 is the M307's cousin, the .50 cal M312, which is essentially a M307 chambered for .50.