Heckler-Koch G36
Posted 5/4/2006
The U.S. Army has ordered 200 experimental
XM-8 5.56mm assault rifles (shown below in a concept drawing) from German
firm Heckler-Koch. The XM-8 is derived from the hugely successful Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle (shown above). This weapon
was modified to serve as the 5.56mm portion of the XM29 OICW weapon (which has a
20mm computer controlled weapon on top). The XM29 has not been able to get it's
weight down to acceptable levels, but the Heckler-Koch has been very impressive.
In recent tests, G36s were fired thousands of times, without being cleaned and
in dusty and sandy terrain, and the weapons didn't jam. This was no accident, as
Heckler-Koch have developed an innovative mechanism for the G36 that keeps crud
from building up and jamming the weapon. It's expected that the XM8 will
demonstrate the same degree of reliability during late 2003 field tests. While
the major appeal of the XM8 is reliability, Heckler-Koch designs are also noted
for their flexibility. The XM8 will also be able to easily switch barrels
(standard, short for a carbine and longer and heavier for light machine-gun
use). Heckler-Koch can also easily adapt their rugged design to accept a larger
caliber round. This is important as many in the army are asking for something in
the 6-7mm range to replace the current 5.56mm. A larger round would reduce
instances where one hit did not knock down an enemy soldier, and would also make
it easier to blast through doors, walls and dirt. On the downside, Congress may
be reluctant to spend billions of dollars on a German design, after Germany
tried to block America's invasion of Iraq.
Sensing this possibility, Heckler-Koch has already begun scouting
possible locations for a U.S. based plant to built the M8 rifle.
XM-8 Concept Drawing
Posted 5/4/2006
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