US Special Operations Command has issued a request for proposals for a light 5.56mm machinegun. It must weight no more than 13 pounds (5.9kg) and be no more than 44 inches (1.12m) long. It must fire standard government ammunition without a box magazine, and must have three rails for the attachment of scopes, night sights, and other special equipment. A modified version of the M249 SAW is thought to have the inside track.--Stephen V Cole
