rapid fielding initiative (rfi) · 2017. 6. 20. · ible software. more than 2,700 edm sys-tems...

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENTAND WEAPONS

The soldier is the Army’s most deployedcombat “system” and the most essentialweapon in the Army’s arsenal. Activatedin October 2001, Program Executive Office(PEO) Soldier equips the soldier as a sys-tem through centralized development, ac-quisition, fielding and sustainment of vir-tually everything the soldier wears orcarries. The mission of PEO Soldier is toincrease soldiers’ combat effectiveness,save soldiers’ lives and improve soldiers’quality of life.

PEO Soldier views the individual sol-dier as the center of the Army, the corner-

stone on which all Army operations arebuilt. This view motivates PEO Soldier tomeet the needs of individual soldiers in or-der to support the larger view of the Army.To accomplish this, PEO Soldier solicitsand uses soldier feedback to guide the de-velopment and fielding of new equipment.

Since its founding, PEO Soldier hasgrown tremendously in both the scale ofoperations and the scope of its products.To retain and increase its organizationalstandard of excellence, PEO Soldier will beundergoing a major restructuring over thecourse of the next year. Part of this reorga-nization will integrate the rapid fieldinginitiative (RFI) into a G-4 directorate in or-der to institutionalize the benefits of RFI

across the PEO Soldier portfolio. In addi-tion, several of the project manager posi-tions will be refocused to a smaller rangeof products. While no products will be re-moved from PEO Soldier’s portfolio, thesechanges will allow for a faster, more fo-cused response.

As the demands of warfighting changeand new technologies evolve in response,PEO Soldier stands ready to equip soldierswith the best gear in the shortest time, tosupport the deployment of soldiers wher-ever our global interests dictate. The tech-nologies PEO Soldier develops and theequipment PEO Soldier fields are crucialcomponents in meeting the strategic, oper-ational and tactical challenges of today’ssoldier and the soldier of the future. PEOSoldier products are used by every Ameri-can soldier, every day, everywhere in theworld.

Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI)PEO Soldier launched the rapid fielding

initiative (RFI) in 2002 to streamline theprocess for distributing equipment to de-ploying units and ensure that all soldiers—active and reserve components—were out-fitted with the most advanced individualand unit equipment available, providingsignificant improvements to soldier combateffectiveness, survivability and operationalquality of life. To date, RFI has equippednearly 1.5 million deploying soldiers.

RFI coordinates the activities of threeclosely aligned cells responsible for theplanning, logistics support and fielding op-erations associated with the expeditiousequipping of deploying soldiers and units.The focus of fielding operations has transi-tioned over time from immediate-response,in-theater fielding efforts to scheduled,home-station fielding events coordinatedto minimize the impact on predeploymenttraining.

Equipment fielded by RFI currently con-sists of 73 items procured by the projectmanagers that provide capabilities en-hancements essential to combat opera-tions. Items currently fielded by RFI in-clude individual soldier mission-essentialequipment, such as the advanced combathelmet and ballistic eye protection, and or-ganizational force protection/mobilityitems, such as urban terrain equipmentand infrared strobes. The list also includescritical unit lethality enhancement itemssuch as improved ammunition packs,small binoculars and advanced weaponsoptics.

As soldiers deploy for their second,third or fourth combat tour, RFI has imple-mented the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) pro-cesses to minimize duplicative fieldings ofequipment. The process, called lean field-ing, saved the Army more than $84 millionin its first 12 months. RFI’s latest LSS pro-ject for accountability transfer automates

376 ARMY n October 2009

support systems and reduces the adminis-trative workload on commands in updat-ing property books and effecting lateraltransfers of equipment to individual cloth-ing records. Furthermore, RFI planningand fielding activities fully support andcomplement the Army force generationoperating cycle.

PEO Soldier is restructuring in order toinstitutionalize the RFI process throughthe establishment of a G-4 directorate. Thisis aimed at achieving the greatest syner-gism and efficiencies from the acquisitionand fielding cells within the project man-agement and director offices to field thesoldier as a system. This transformationalso encompasses a reduction of the histor-ical reliance on supplemental funding forsoldier equipment in order to providemore predictable requirements over timeand facilitate programming of funds tosupport the modernization process.

Project Manager Soldier Warrior Project Manager Soldier Warrior sup-

ports soldiers through the acquisition of in-tegrated soldier systems. Current systemsinclude Land Warrior, Ground Soldier,Mounted Soldier and Air Warrior. ProjectManager Soldier Warrior product man-agers develop and integrate components

into complete systems designed to increasecombat effectiveness, decrease combat loadand improve mission flexibility.

Land Warrior is a first-generation, inte-grated, modular fighting system for soldiersengaged in close combat operations. LandWarrior combines computers, lasers, navi-gation technology and radios with othermission equipment to substantially improveindividual situational awareness. The sys-tems approach optimizes and integratesmultiple capabilities with minimal impacton combat load and logistical footprint.During the surge phase of Operation IraqiFreedom, the 4th Battalion, 9th InfantryRegiment (4-9 IN), of the 4th Brigade, 2ndInfantry Division, was equipped with 229Land Warrior ensembles, which are wornby the unit’s leadership down to the team-leader level, and 133 Mounted Warrior en-sembles for Stryker crew members. The 4-9IN became the first unit in the history ofwarfare to employ a digitally networkedcombat soldier in theater. The soldiers whoused the system from May 2007 to June 2008reported that the reliability in combat situa-tions surpassed all expectations and that theadded capabilities are invaluable. As a re-sult of soldiers’ success with Land Warriorin combat, the Army received supplementalfunds for an approved operational needs

statement to equip the 5th Brigade, 2nd In-fantry Division Stryker Brigade CombatTeam, in fiscal year (FY) 2009 and equip the3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, inFY 2010.

The Ground Soldier Ensemble (GSE) ofthe Ground Soldier System builds uponLand Warrior as an integrated dismountedsoldier situational awareness system foruse during combat operations. The systemprovides unparalleled situational aware-ness and understanding to the dismountedsoldier, allowing for faster and more accu-rate decision making in the tactical fight.This translates into soldiers being at theright place at the right time with the rightequipment, making them more effectiveand more lethal in the execution of theircombat mission.

The centerpiece capability of GSE is theability to graphically display the individ-ual soldier’s location on a digital mediumagainst a geo-referenced image as thebackground. Additional soldier locationswill also be graphically displayed throughthe Army Battle Command System, con-necting the soldier to the network througha radio that will send and receive informa-tion from one to another. These radios willalso connect the combat soldier to higher-echelon data and information products toassist the combat soldier in decision mak-ing and situational understanding. All ofthis will be integrated on a graphic user in-terface that is user-defined, allowing sol-diers to easily see, understand and interactin the method that best suits the user’sparticular mission.

The physical subcomponents of GSE in-clude a display to provide the soldier’s in-formation, a computer to process and pop-ulate the information on the screen, aninterface device that allows user interac-tion with the system, a power source, anoperating system to provide the systemfunctionality and run tactical applicationsand Battle Command, and a networked ra-dio transmitter/receiver device to sendand receive information. As a system wornby the combat soldier, size and weightmust be kept to a minimum while retain-ing the ruggedness required for combatoperations including water immersion.The GSE must have a slim and flexibleform that can accommodate the “shooter’spreference” method of employing the sys-tem in accordance with the variety of dif-ferent mission profiles and soldier person-nel equipment configurations.

GSE entered the technology develop-

October 2009 n ARMY 377

The Land Warrior system supports individual, close combat operations.

ment phase in February 2009.The Mounted Soldier System (MSS) is

the next generation of Mounted Warrior. Itwill provide combat vehicle crew mem-bers and platform commanders with in-creased mission effectiveness on the net-work-centric battlefield in the areas ofcommand and control, situational aware-ness, communications, force protection,survivability, mobility and sustainability.The MSS provides the combat vehiclecommander increased capabilities to con-duct offensive and defensive operations.MSS consists of three systems (cooling,cordless communications and display) thatallow the crew member to reduce heatstress, communicate wirelessly with thevehicle’s intercom and radios, and re-motely display the vehicle’s displays forForce XXI Battle Command, Brigade-and-Below (FBCB2), Remote Weapon Sight,Driver’s Enhanced Vision System andother platform-centric video assets.

Air Warrior (AW) is a modular, inte-grated, rapidly reconfigurable combat air-crew ensemble that saves lives and maxi-mizes Army aircrew mission performance.The Air Warrior system equips the soldierwho operates the aircraft and closes the ca-pability gap between human and machine.More than 16,000 Army aircrew membershave been equipped with the system. AirWarrior increases personal protection and

mission performance while decreasingweight and bulk. The system consists of:

n A primary survival gear carrier that in-cludes first aid, survival, signaling andcommunications equipment.

n Body armor tailored for the unique re-quirements of the aircrew member.

n The Aircrew Integrated Helmet Sys-tem.

n Overwater survival equipment includ-ing an underwater breathing device andlife raft.

n The Microclimate Cooling System(MCS), which includes a cooling garmentworn under chemical protective and dutyuniforms that increases mission enduranceunder extreme heat by more than 350 per-cent. The MCS has been adopted for useby ground forces including Stryker,Abrams, Bradley, M9 ACE, the Navy, theMarine Corps and foreign militaries, withmore than 16,000 systems fielded to date.

The Electronic Data Manager (EDM), atouchscreen kneeboard computer, enablesthe aircrew member to quickly plan mis-sions and react to mission changes inflight. The EDM, compatible with night-vi-sion goggles and readable in direct sun-light, features a moving map via a globalpositioning system, Blue Force Tracking-Aviation capability and Windows-compat-ible software. More than 2,700 EDM sys-tems have been fielded to the Army, Navy,Marine Corps and foreign militaries.

The Aircraft Wireless Intercom System(AWIS) provides wireless aircrew commu-nications. AWIS allows hands-free voicecommunication between crew membersand provides the first true aircraft inter-com capability for medical evacuation he-


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Air Warrior


licopter personnel during rescue hoist anddismounted patient recovery missions inclose proximity to the aircraft. The AWISconsists of an aircraft-mounted interfaceunit and mobile equipment units worn byeach member of the aft crew. The AWIS en-ables omnidirectional simultaneous com-munications among crew members withinthe aircraft network out to approximately200 feet of the center of the aircraft.

Project Manager Soldier Sensors andLasers Provisional (PM SSL)

Project Manager Soldier Sensors andLasers Provisional (PM SSL) provides sol-diers with improved lethality, mobilityand survivability in all weather and visi-bility conditions. Soldier-borne sensorsand lasers enhance the soldier’s ability tosee in all battlefield and lighting condi-tions, to acquire objects of military signifi-cance before the soldier is detected, and totarget threat objects accurately for engage-ment by soldiers or guided munitions.These systems provide critical, on-the-ground direct support to U.S. forces.

Soldier Sensor Maneuver Support(MVN)

Maneuver Support (MVN) is the branchof SSL responsible for the products that en-hance the operational capabilities of sol-diers with night-vision aiming devices.

The AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night-VisionImaging System (ANVIS) is a helmet-mounted, direct-view, third-generation im-age-intensification piloting device that en-ables flight operations under very lowambient light conditions. The latest version,AN/AVS-6(V)3, is capable of operatingdown to near-starlight conditions. The sys-tem incorporates 25 mm eye relief; dual-span adjustment knobs; gated power sup-ply; either filmless or thin-film tubedesigns; a fine-focus objective lens; and alow-profile battery pack. The low-light sen-sitivity is a 10 percent improvement over itspredecessor and a 35 to 40 percent improve-ment over the earliest ANVIS.

The AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night-Vi-sion Device (MNVD) is a lightweight

head- or helmet-mounted image-intensifi-cation device that can also be mounted tothe M16/M4 receiver rail. It is designed tobe used in conjunction with rifle-mountedaiming lights. The AN/PVS-14 provides

soldiers with the ability to conduct night-time operations including driving, maneu-vering, first aid, map reading and mainte-nance. The latest AN/PVS-14 operates ona single AA cell.

Multifunctional Aiming Lights (MFAL),including AN/PEQ-2A, AN/PEQ-15 andAN/PEQ-15A, are used in conjunction withnight-vision goggles to engage targets.MFAL devices contain infrared aiminglights and illuminators as well as visiblepointers in a single, lightweight, compactpackage. When zeroed to the weapon, thesedevices provide an invisible, continuous in-frared beam along the weapon’s line of firethat is effective to the maximum firingrange of the weapon.

The AN/PEQ-14 Integrated Laser/WhiteLight Pointer adds the functions of a flash-light into an MFAL device for an effectivesmall-arms lightweight integrated target-ing system.

The AN/PVS-10 Night-Vision SniperNight Sight (SNS) is a lightweight, weapon-mounted, passive image-intensification de-vice designed primarily for use by snipersfor day and night operations. A select leverpermits the user to change the mode of op-eration between day and night. The SNSemploys a black-line reticule that can be il-luminated for night operation. A rail mount-ing interface allows quick mounting or dis-mounting from the weapon.

The AN/PVS-26 Clip-On Sniper NightSight is a lightweight, clip-on, image in-tensified night sight for the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System that mounts infront of the day optic sight. The AN/PVS-26 employs a variable gain image tube thatcan be adjusted by the sniper dependingon ambient light levels. The AN/PVS-26provides the sniper the capability to accu-rately acquire and engage targets at lowlight levels without the need to remove theday optic.

The AN/PSQ-23 Small Tactical OpticalRifle Mounted (STORM) Micro-LaserRangefinder (MLRF) is a lightweight, mul-tifunctional laser system designed to oper-ate on a variety of individual weapons,crew-served weapons and weapons plat-

forms, including the M-4/M16, the M107Sniper Rifle, the M110 Sniper Rifle, theSniper Tripod and the Stryker RemoteWeapons Station. It combines the function-ality of a laser rangefinder, infrared aiminglaser, infrared laser illuminator, digital com-pass and visible pointer into one package.STORM can be connected to an externalglobal positioning system (GPS) device todetermine distance to targets. On crew-served weapons, STORM provides the criti-cal range component to the fire control forachieving high probabilities of first-shotkills.

The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night-Vi-sion Goggle (ENVG) provides the soldierwith enhanced mobility and situationalawareness in all weather and battlefieldobscurant conditions. ENVG is a helmet-mounted device that combines long-waveinfrared sensor data with passive low-light-level image-intensification into an in-tegrated display. The resultant image takesadvantage of each sensor’s strengths whileminimizing individual sensor limitations.

The AN/PAS-13 Family of ThermalWeapon Sights (TWS) enables soldierswith individual and crew-served weaponsto see deep into the battlefield, increasesurveillance and target acquisition range,and penetrate obscurants day or night.The TWS uses forward-looking infrared(FLIR) technology and provides a stan-dard video output for training, imagetransfer or remote viewing. Light, mediumand heavy variants provide viewing to themaximum effective range of the desig-nated weapon.

The TWS Head Mounted Display (HMD)integrates with the AN/PAS-13 ThermalWeapon Sight (TWS) to provide a remoteviewing capability for TWS and vehicle-mounted imagery. It allows a more com-fortable firing position of the TWS on theM2/MK19 weapon systems. The HMD op-erates on four AA cells and weighs less than8 ounces. The system is designed to operatewith Army standard-issue protective eye-wear, providing a minimal visual obscura-tion that maintains or enables the soldier’soverall situational awareness.

PAS-13 thermalweapons sightmounted on an M-240B machinegun

AN/PVS-14

ITT


Soldier-borne Sense Through the Wall(STTW) provides soldiers with the capa-bility to detect, locate and “sense” person-nel with concealed weapons or explosivesbehind obstructions from a stand-off dis-tance. Currently in development, STTWwill be employed by soldiers in militaryoperations on urban terrain and subter-ranean environments to locate and classifythreats.

Gunfire Detection Systems (GFDS) arelightweight soldier-wearable sensors thataccurately locate and engage enemy snip-ers. The sensor locates the enemy gunfirethrough the acoustic signatures associatedwith the fired round to produce a range andbearing back to the threat. This informationallows the soldier to conduct battle drills inresponse to the sniper’s actual location.

The Family of Flashlights (FoF) WeaponsMounted Light (WML) is one of the fourcomponents of the FoF that include theWML, the Tactical Handheld Light, theHands-Free Helmet Light and the Crew-Served Weapons Light. The WML is a small(7 inches or less), lightweight (10 ounces orless with batteries) white light that can beweapon-mounted or handheld. The WMLis employed on small arms, including theM16A4 modular weapons, M4/M4A1,M249 and M240B. The WML has dual acti-vation controls, includes an infrared capa-bility and is designed to operate on twoDL123 batteries.

Soldier Fire Support Sensors (FS)Soldier Fire Support Sensors (FS) is the

branch of PM SSL that supports the re-search and development of target designa-tion systems.

The AN/PED1 Lightweight Laser Des-ignator Rangefinder (LLDR) enables fire-support teams and forward observers toaccurately locate targets, digitally transmittarget location data to the tactical network,and laser-designate high-priority targetsfor engagement with precision munitions.The two primary components are the Tar-get Locator Module (TLM) and the LaserDesignator Module (LDM). The TLM canbe used as a stand-alone device or in con-junction with the LDM. The TLM incorpo-rates a thermal imager, day camera, elec-tronic display, eye-safe laser rangefinder,digital magnetic compass, selective avail-ability/antispoofing module, GPS elec-tronics and digital export capability.

The Laser Targeting Locating SystemsMark VII and Viper (V21), as well as the

Mark VII E Laser Targeting LocatingModule, provide fire-support teams andforward observers with daylight and lim-ited night capability to observe and accu-rately locate targets for voice transmissionof target data to the fire-support com-mand, control, communications, comput-ers and intelligence (C4I) system. They canbe handheld or tripod-mounted. Each in-corporates an eye-safe laser rangefinderand a digital magnetic compass to deter-mine range, azimuth and vertical anglefrom the observer to targets of interest.

The Mark VII and Viper systems can com-pute and display target location when con-nected to a GPS device. The Mark VII Ehas a built-in GPS device and an uncooledFLIR for improved night capability.

Project Manager Soldier Protection(PM SP)

PM SP develops and fields advancedsoldier protection products, comfortableuniforms to enhance mission effectivenessand improved parachute systems. Theseproducts are designed to protect soldiersand allow them to operate in any condi-tions.

Product Manager Core Soldier (PM CS) Product Manager Core Soldier (PM CS)

supports soldiers in operational environ-ments and improves their lethality, surviv-ability, situational awareness, health, safety,mobility and sustainability by providingsafe, durable and operationally effective in-dividual and unit equipment. PM CS en-hances survivability through technologi-cally advanced tactical and environmentalprotective clothing, individual chemicalprotective gear, and personnel parachutesand other airdrop equipment.

Modular Lightweight Load-CarryingEquipment (MOLLE) provides today’ssoldier with a modular, flexible, load-car-rying system that can be tailored to meetmission needs. MOLLE consists of a ruck-sack with removable pockets and a fight-ing load carrier that can accept removablepouches for rifle, pistol, grenade, squadautomatic weapon and medical items. Forshort-duration missions, there is an assaultpack and a waist pack. The modularity al-lows individuals or commanders to tailor

Lightweight laser designator rangefinder

Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment

the load to meet mission needs.The Army Service Uniform (ASU) pro-

vides a basic set of components that allowssoldiers to dress from the lowest to thehighest end of service uniforms with littlevariation required, thus reducing the needfor numerous uniforms and reducing theburden on soldiers to have multiple ser-vice uniforms. The ASU is based on theArmy blue uniform, and the men’s andwomen’s coats from that uniform are un-changed.

The belted trousers and slacks with a tra-ditional low waistline will be available fordaily wear. The high-waist men’s trouserstraditionally worn with suspenders will beretained for wear with the Army blue messuniform. The fabric of the coat, trousers,slacks, and skirt is a 55-percent polyesterand 45-percent wool blend that does not re-quire special care. A new white herring-bone shirt will be for daily wear, and acommercial white shirt will be worn forceremonial and formal occasions. Officersand noncommissioned officers will weargold stripes on the trousers/slacks. Juniorenlisted soldiers (specialist and below) willhave trousers/slacks without stripes on thelegs. The beret will be the standard head-wear worn with the ASU. Officers and non-commissioned officers (corporal and above)may wear the service cap as an optionalitem. Officers and enlisted soldiers will be

authorized to wear overseas stripes on theright sleeve. Enlisted service stripes havebeen reduced in size and will be worn onthe left sleeve. The new Combat ServiceBadge will be worn in place of the FormerWartime Service Shoulder Sleeve Insigniato represent combat service.

There are several uniforms being fieldedby PM CS that now offer a fire-resistant ca-pability. These include the Fire-ResistantArmy Combat Uniforms (FR ACUS), theAdvanced Army Combat Uniform (A2CU),the Improved Combat Vehicle CrewmanCoverall (iCVC) and the Army CombatShirt (ACS).

The T-11 Personnel Parachute Systemprovides the airborne soldier with thenext-generation tactical personnel para-chute system and represents the first com-plete modernization of the tactical para-chute system since the early 1950s. TheT-11 parachute system includes a newlydesigned main canopy as well as a com-pletely redesigned reserve parachute (T-11R) and an integrated harness assembly.The T-11 parachute system is designed toreduce soldier injury rates with a slowerrate of descent, reduced opening shockand reduced oscillations. The T-11 can ac-commodate a higher jumper weight than


Nonmaneuverable canopy T-11 personnel parachute system


the T-10D it is designed to replace. The Maneuverable Canopy 6 (MC-6)

provides the airborne soldier with a newstatic line-deployed, steerable parachutesystem. The MC-6 has several improve-ments designed to reduce soldier injuryrates. The MC-6 has a lower opening shock,reduced oscillation, a lower rate of descentfor greater safety, increased forward driveand a better turn ratio than the MC1-1C.The MC-6 parachute system combines anew main canopy with a completely re-designed reserve parachute and an inte-grated harness assembly, both of which arecommon to the T-11. The MC-6 can accom-modate a higher jumper weight than theMC1-1 series it is designed to replace.

The Generation III Extended Cold WeatherClothing System (GEN III ECWCS) is a12-component, versatile, multilayered sys-tem that provides soldiers the capability totailor to mission and environmental re-quirements. The GEN III ECWCS systemconsists of lightweight undershirt anddrawers; midweight shirt and drawers;fleece cold-weather jacket; wind cold-weather jacket; soft-shell jacket and trou-sers; extreme cold/wet-weather jacket andtrousers; and extreme cold-weather parkaand trousers. The new materials offer agreater range of performance and environ-mental protection and reduce overall bulkand weight, providing greater versatilityin meeting soldiers’ needs. GEN III ECWCShas proven itself as a combat enabler inAfghanistan.

The Fire Resistant Environmental En-semble (FREE) is a multilayered, versatileall-climate system that allows combat vehi-cle and aircrew members to adapt to vary-ing mission requirements and environmen-tal conditions. Most importantly, it isfire-resistant. The FREE is comfortable andergonomically efficient for wear in the con-fines of aircraft and armored vehicles. Thesystem consists of male and female under-

garments, base layer, midweight underlayer, light weather outer layer, intermediateweather outer layer, cold-weather gloves,extreme/wet-weather layer, rigger belt andwool socks. It will replace the aviation cold-weather clothing system (ACWCS). TheFREE is color-compatible (universal camou-flage pattern and foliage green) with groundsoldier uniforms. New materials offer agreater range of breathability and environ-mental protection, providing greater ver-satility in meeting soldiers’ needs.

Product Manager SoldierSurvivability (PM SSV)

Product Manager Soldier Survivability(PM SSV) develops and fields state-of-the-art force-protection equipment that defeatsballistic and fragmentation threats in the-ater. PM SSV provides superior body ar-mor, helmets and other gear that greatlyreduce the threat of serious injury.

Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) is a jointservice item designed and developed to in-corporate the requirements of the Armyand Marine Corps. Interceptor is themodel name for modular, multiple-threatbody armor. It has gone through nine im-provements since it was introduced. TheOuter Tactical Vest (OTV) and the stream-lined and lighter-weight, quick-release Im-proved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) protectagainst fragmentation and 9 mm rounds.Attachable throat and groin pieces expandthe ballistic protection, and webbing at-tachment loops across the front and backof the vest accommodate modular light-weight load-carrying equipment pouches.

The Deltoid and Axillary Protector(DAP) is a component of IBA that providesadditional protection to the upper arm andunderarm areas from fragmentary and 9mm projectiles. DAP was developed as anadd-on to the OTV to protect soldiers fromthe threat of improvised explosive devicesin current operations. This auxiliary pro-

tective capability is integrated into theIOTV.

The Enhanced Small Arms ProtectiveInsert (ESAPI) plates provide multiple-hitprotection to the chest and back againstvarious small-arms threats, including ar-mor-piercing rounds.

The Enhanced Side Ballistic Insert(ESBI) plates provide additional ballisticprotection for side and underarm areas notcovered by ESAPI. The ESBI can withstanda small-arms hit, including armor-piercingrounds. ESBI plates are attached to theOTV with a carrier assembly that employswebbing on the front and back. ESBI platescan be further secured through incorpora-tion with the DAP. The IOTV includes in-tegrated ESBI plate carriers.

The X Small Arms Protective Insert(XSAPI) plate was designed to meet near-term emerging threats and will provideadditional ballistic protection against morelethal small-arms rounds.

The Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH)comes in four shell sizes and includes amodular pad suspension system, retentionsystem and nape pad. The modular padsuspension system improves blunt-forceimpact protection, stability and comfort.The cotton/polyester retention system, afour-point design, allows for quick adjust-ment for head size. The nape pad attachesto the retention system, improving comfortand stability and providing protectionagainst 9 mm and fragmentation threats tothe nape area of the neck. The ACH weighs2.9 to 3.8 pounds, depending on size. Thehelmet cover is available in the universalcamouflage pattern.

The Helmet Sensor is a small, light-weight, low-power sensor suite that mountsto the Advanced Combat Helmet or theCombat Vehicle Crewman Helmet. The hel-met sensor detects, measures, and recordsimpact and blast overpressure associatedwith improvised explosive devices (IEDs)and other events that may cause concus-sions in an operational environment. TheArmy is using two versions of the helmetsensor, one that mounts externally to therear of a helmet and one that mounts inter-nally under the padding in the crown of thehelmet. Both sensors continuously and au-tomatically collect data, recording peakoverpressure from IED blasts, crashes, bluntimpact and ballistic events. This informa-tion can potentially be used to provide bet-ter and more effective medical treatment toinjured soldiers.

Project Manager Soldier Weapons(PM SW)

Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PMSW) supports soldiers through enhance-ment of current systems and developmentof next-generation weapons technology. Itfocuses on ensuring that soldiers areequipped with world-class weapons sys-

The Generation IIIextended cold-

weather clothingsystem


Interceptor body armor consists of an outer vest, ballistic platesand attachments that stop or slow bullets and fragments.

Advanced combat helmet (ACH)

Lighter-weight, quick-release improved outer tactical vest (IOTV)

tems, ammunition, and associated targetacquisition and fire-control products todayand in the future.

Product Manager Individual WeaponsPM IW is responsible for research and

development of current and future rifles,carbines, pistols, shotguns, grenade launch-ers, small-arms ammunition and relatedtarget acquisition/fire-control products.

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target En-gagement System is a next-generationweapon still in development. The XM25will fire 25 mm munitions including high-explosive airburst (HEAB), armor-pierc-ing, antipersonnel, nonlethal, training andbreaching rounds. The XM25 incorporatesfull-solution target acquisition/fire controlthat integrates a thermal sight, 2x direct-view optics, a laser rangefinder, compass,fuze setter, ballistic computer and internaldisplay. The XM25 has a 500-meter rangeagainst point targets and 500- to 700-meterrange against area targets and is capable ofdefeating hidden targets.

The Army’s M9 9 mm Pistol is a semiau-tomatic, double-action pistol that is lighter,more lethal and safer than its predecessors.It is the primary sidearm of crew-served-weapon crew members and others whohave a personal defense requirement, suchas law enforcement personnel, unit leadersand aviators.

The M16A4 5.56 mm Rifle is a flat-topped M16A2 that incorporates a militarystandard 1913 rail on top of the weapon’sreceiver, adding operational flexibility.

The M4 5.56 mm Carbine replaces theM3 submachine gun, select M9 pistols andM16A2 rifles for unit leaders, crew-servedgunners, vehicle crews, radio operators,light infantry, Airborne (Air Assault), com-bat engineers and others. It provides im-proved firepower compared with the M3and M9, and it allows mounting of the lat-est generation of fire-control accessorieswithout tools. It is 1 pound lighter thanthe M16, offering improved portability.

The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Sys-tem is a 7.62 mm sniper rifle that brings asemiautomatic capability to sniper teams.The M110 incorporates a 3.5x10 scope withilluminated Mil-reticle and rapid fire/re-load, and it comes with a suppressor. Thesystem is particularly effective in urban ar-eas where there are multiple targets andfrequent close-combat situations.

The M107 .50-caliber Semi-AutomaticLong-Range Sniper Rifle (LRSR) is acommercial off-the-shelf, antimateriel andcountersniper semiautomatic, direct-line-of-sight .50-caliber rifle. It can completemissions out to 2,000 meters that cannot beaccomplished with current sniper rifles. Itsupplements a sniper role by supportingcombat operations by precisely engaging

high-value targets, with greater firepowerand standoff ranges to improve sniper sur-vivability.

The M150 Rifle Combat Optic increasesthe probability of a first-round hit at dis-tances out to 600 meters with the M4 car-bine, M16 rifle and the M249 Squad Auto-matic Weapon. The optic allows soldiers torapidly make the transition between long-range and close-quarters engagementswithout degrading the ability to conductreflexive fire techniques.

The M320 Grenade Launcher Module(GLM) is a 40 mm low-velocity grenadelauncher weapon module that will replaceall M203 series grenade launchers mountedon the M16/M4 series of rifles and car-bines. The XM320 is intended to be lighter,safer and more reliable than current man-portable grenade-launching systems, andwill provide day and night firing capabil-ity. The M320 can also be converted with-out tools to operate in a stand-alone mode.

The M26 12-Gauge Modular AccessoryShotgun System (MASS) provides war-fighters with a lethal, nonlethal, and door-breaching capability through a 12-gauge ac-cessory shotgun attached to the primary/host weapon. The system attaches under-neath the barrel of the primary/host weap-on and provides a capability equivalent to astand-alone shotgun without carrying a sec-ond weapon. The M26 can also be con-verted without tools to operate in a stand-alone mode.

Product Manager Crew ServedWeapons (PM CSW)

PM CSW is responsible for research anddevelopment of current and future lightand heavy machine guns, grenade launch-ers, sniper systems, small-arms ammuni-tion, and related target acquisition/fire-control products.

The XM806 Light Weight .50-CaliberMachine Gun is a next-generation weap-on, capable of firing all of the current .50-caliber ammunition in the inventory. Thisincludes, but is not limited to, the standardM33 ball round, the M8 armor-piercing in-cendiary, the M903 saboted light-armorpenetrator, and the MK211 multipurposeround that penetrates, fragments and startsfires. The XM806 weapon system is half theweight and has a quarter of the recoil of theM2, providing soldiers with the punch of a.50-caliber machine gun in the footprint ofa 7.62 mm weapon system.

The M249 5.56 mm Squad AutomaticWeapon (SAW) serves as an automatic rifleand light machine gun for infantry squads,as well as providing light machine-gun ca-pabilities in combat service and combatservice support units. The M249 SAW is alightweight, air-cooled, belt-fed 5.56 mmweapon with fixed headspace and a quick-change barrel feature. The weapon can befired from the shoulder, bipod/tripod-


Col

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M16A4 rifle

Compatible with the latest weapon-mounted optics, acces-sories and ammunition, the M16A4 weighs 8.5 poundswith a loaded 30-round magazine and field strips easily.


5.56 mm M4 carbine

M107 .50-caliber semi-automatic long-range sniper rifle (LRSR)

M320 grenade launcher module (GLM)

mounted or vehicle-mounted positions.The M249 SAW weighs 17 pounds (23.96pounds with 200-round box magazine ofammunition) and has a maximum effectiverange of 1,000 meters against area targets.It replaced the M16 series rifle in the desig-nated automatic rifle role and the M60 ma-chine gun in the light machine gun role.

The MK19 40 mm Grenade MachineGun (GMG) is an air-cooled, belt-fed, blow-back-operated, fully automatic weapon sys-tem. It has a maximum effective range of2,200 meters for area targets and 1,500 me-ters for point targets. It fires standard high-velocity 40 mm grenade cartridges, includ-ing M383 high-explosive antipersonnelrounds, high-explosive dual-purpose (anti-personnel and armor-piercing) rounds andtraining practice rounds. The MK19 sup-ports the soldier in offensive and defensiveroles by delivering a heavy volume of close,accurate and continuous firepower againstenemy personnel and lightly armored vehi-cles. It can be mounted on a tripod or onmultiple vehicle platforms and is the pri-mary suppressive weapon for combat sup-port and combat service support units.

The M240B 7.62 mm Medium MachineGun is a ground-mounted, gas-operated,crew-served machine gun. It is a variant ofthe M240 mounted on Bradley fighting ve-hicles and Abrams tanks, reconfigured forground applications with buttstock, bipod,iron sights and forward-rail assemblies.The M240B delivers more energy to thetarget than the smaller-caliber M249 SAW.The cyclic rate is 550 to 650 rounds perminute, and the weapon’s maximum effec-tive range against area targets is 1,800 me-ters. It comes with an accessory rail inte-grated with the top cover that is used toattach sighting devices. It is issued to in-fantry, armor, field artillery and combatengineer units that require medium-sup-port fire; it replaces the ground-mounted

M60 machine gun.The M240L is the result of the M240

Weight Reduction program. The M240L is6.5 pounds lighter than the M240 and 5.1pounds lighter with the M240B, without los-ing any reliability or functionality. Weightsavings came through the innovative use oftitanium for the construction of the system.

The M240H 7.62 mm Machine Gun(Aviation Version) is designed for aviationapplication and demonstrates reliabilityequal to that of the M240B. It delivers twominutes of continuous suppressive fireand is removable for use in a ground role.It replaces the M60D machine gun for theUH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinookhelicopters as part of their defensive arma-ment systems.

The M2E2 Quick Change Barrel KitProgram (M2E2) is a modification of thestandard M2 that is easier and safer to use,and eliminates the need for headspace andtiming. The current M2 machine gun de-sign requires the operator to properly setthe headspace and timing before firing, af-ter assembly and after barrel replacement.

Improper adjustment of headspace andtiming can cause gun malfunctions, partsdamage or personnel injury (includingdeath). The current need to set headspaceand timing negatively affects survivabilityand mission accomplishment as the war-fighter must be exposed to enemy fire forextended periods of time while perform-ing barrel-changing procedures. The M2E2modification will provide warfighters withthe ability to quickly change the barrelwithout the need to reset headspace andtiming by implementing a fixed headspaceand timing operating system. Other up-grades include the quick-change barrelsystem, flash hider and carrying handle.The flash hider reduces muzzle flash, mak-ing the M2 night-vision friendly. All ofthese capabilities ensure that commandershave constant firepower and less down-time.

Product Manager Remote WeaponsSystems (PM RWS)

PM RWS is responsible for the researchand development of weapons stations thatare operated via a remote link, thus reduc-ing risk to the soldier.

The Common Remotely Operated Weap-on Station (CROWS) is a stabilized mountthat contains a sensor suite and fire-controlsoftware, allowing on-the-move target ac-quisition and first-burst target engagementwithout requiring the soldier to leave thesafety of the vehicle. The CROWS sensorsuite includes a video camera, thermal cam-era, and a laser rangefinder, enabling accu-rate target detection and engagement underday and nighttime conditions. CROWS isdesigned to mount on any tactical vehicle,and supports the MK19 grenade machinegun, .50-caliber M2 machine gun, M240Bmachine gun and the M249 squad auto-matic weapon (SAW). CROWS is a forcemultiplier that provides improved surviv-ability and lethality to the warfighter.


MK19 automatic grenade launchers

Common remotelyoperated weaponssystem (CROWS)

rapid fielding initiative (rfi) · 2017. 6. 20. · ible software. more than 2,700 edm sys-tems...

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