experimental weapons systems like OICW

[pdoktar]

I think the LOSAT is renamed KEM (maybe Kinetic-Energy-Missile) in th US oob. Maybe these new systems like some -non-line of sight- missiles can´t be modeled correctly.

[Mobhack]

nothing that requires third party hand-off using a designator can be modelled in the SP game engine. So no COPPERHEAD for example.

Anything that remotely homes in is best handled in other ways. Forex SADARM may best be modelled as a cluster munition (and assume a salvo of them, as you will get multiple killes with cluster munitions).

Cheers
Andy

[SGTGunn]

Correct, the MGM-166 LOSAT is in SpMBT as the KEM, slot 162. Technically the LOSAT (Line-of-sight-anti-tank)is the nomenclature of the whole system, which includes the KEM (kinetic-energy missile). Despite very successful field testing, in 2004 the Army decided not to put the LOSAT into production - possibly due to a combination of cost and the current vision of "transformation" taking place under the current administration (which also canceled the RAH-66 and the Crusader SPA). The lead contracter, Lockheed Martin, is continuing work on the Compact Kinetic Energy Missile, which is a scaled down KEM.

[thatguy96]

For those of you who don't know, the XM8 program was stopped and a new program to develop a weapon like it (which might still include the XM8) called the Modular Weapon System Program was initiated. This was done after other companies complained HK was getting a quick contract without bidding simply having developed part of a system generally believed to be canceled now (if OICW Phase III, aka XM29 ever gets off the ground I'll be surprised).

The XM25 is not intended to replace the M203, but supplement its true replacement, the XM320 (aka HK AG-C), and the 25mm ammo used in the XM25 is NOT the same as that used in the XM307. The XM307 round is longer than that of the XM25. The XM312 (now known as the XM307K50) is to be used as more of a transitional weapon, and can be quickly configured to fire the longer 25mm ammunition of the XM307.

Note that USSOCOM has also adopted a seperate family of weapons, and might well be adopting a seperate UBGL, all products of the SCAR program (and outgrowth of about 5 previous programs starting with the original SOPMOD). These weapons are made by FN and the 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm elements are already being field tested.

[SGTGunn]

Hmm... Does the XM25 and XM307 share the same projectile family, just with different length cases ala the M203 & Mk19? Or are they completely different rounds?

I've heard the SCAR will also be available in a 7.62mmx39 version that will accept standard AK magazines.

Anyword if the new rifle project will be looking at alternate calibers such as the 6.8mm SPC or 6.5mm Grendel?

[Mustang]

I know this is kind of off-topic, but does anyone know what the Commanche's replacement will be or what it will look like? Those Apaches are getting old, and it takes maybe a decade to design a new helo, so they must be working on something now.

[thatguy96]

I believe the 25mm ammunition is the same family, but I don't know for sure.

According to FN the SCAR will be able to be chambered in 7.62x39mm. As far as I know this requirement was dropped by time the SOF-SCR program morphed into the SCAR. The SOF-SCR program had a number of alternative caliber requirements, and as far as I know none of these made it into the SCAR requirements. 6.8mm Remington SPC was generally found to not be ballistically superior to 5.56x45mm M855 or Mk 262 Mod 0/1 that its fallen out of the limelight.

As for Commanche replacement, Commanche was supposed to be the replacement for both the OH-58D and the AH-64D from what I gathered. The concensus behind the Army's decision to cancel the program seemed to be based on the ideas that the OH-58D was a far more capable system that people wanted to believe and could easily be upgraded, and that the AH-64 could be diversified from its primarily anti-armor role. Furthermore, the fielding of a whole new generation of UAVs made the need for a dedicated deep recon helicopter non-existant. In my opinion expect to see both the OH-58 and AH-64 platforms soldier on for quite a while, just like the UH-1 and AH-1 platforms with the USMC.