Here’s a clip of the IAR at the testing ground (the IAR demonstration starts around the 4 minute mark on the video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVHLvtArC_g
I dunno enough about infantry tactics to say whether it will be an effective replacement for the SAW or not. It kind of reminds me (conceptually) of a throwback to the Browning Automatic Rifle, though admittedly a lot lighter and more compact.
With today’s technolgy, why can’t we make the BAR a lighter weapon? The firing system is rock solid but it is magazine fed. The BAR was designed to be the Squad Automatic Weapon and served us well. It is time we brought back the 30.06 round and stop fooling around with plinking rounds. I want a bullet that I can kill with at 500 yards. I don’t want the enemy up close and personal.
Semper fi