The Army’s statement in June 2013 justifying the cancellation said: “No competitor demonstrated a significant improvement in weapon reliability — measured by mean rounds fired between weapon stoppage.
But, but, But... direct gas impingement is perfectly reliable.
- During the tests for the new pistol in 1978, the Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP) drove the requirements to fit the Beretta M92 and constantly moved the goalposts to ensure that it "won" against the competitors from Colt, H&K and Sig.
- That same JSSAP pushed for the FN Minimi as the new Squad Automatic Weapon, even though the H&K 93 was a far better candidate in the tests.
- The army establishment has rigidly resisted any replacements to the M-16/M-4 family even though battlefield experience and the expressed desires of the troops in combat have made it clear that they need something better.
-Look at the goofy combat uniform choices made by the army teams; need any more proof that they aren't attached to the real world?
The main problem is that the army R&D and acquisition world is made up of civilians most of whom never actually served in uniform, much less combat. They have no attachment to the lives of the troops.
look into kryon armor plates. competitor to kevlar... but can stop a .50 cal at 20 yards where the kevlar doesn’t slow it down
EXACTLY what our boys need. cheaper. lighter. a process that allows other materials the same capabilities (think tanks and humvees with similar stopping power)
kevlar has the political connections and kept kryon (from bork industries) from getting a finalized contract.
many products shipped... but kevlar is protected.
Everyone is an expert when it comes to small arms.
Mr. niteowl77
Betcha it was the new Beretta rifle.
Why would anyone think the obama administration would want US troops to have the best weapon available? It hates the US military.
“This test was a measurement of Class 1 and Class 2 magazine stoppages, in which one soldier can clear the gun himself within 10 seconds or more than 10 seconds, respectively. The U.S. official said classes 1 and 2 are the most common stoppages in battle.”
Genius.
What General has a consulting job locked up in the future? Follow the money.
“Still, the competition results “suggest that changing the weapon itself may not produce the effects the Army was looking for,” the CNA report said.”
“Last summer, after over two years of evaluation, the Army called off its competition”
Haters gonna hate. I think the above statement says it best. The M-4 carbine more than held its own among 8 newly designed weapons. One as in 1 of the weapons actually may have done better in One (1) of the tests. OMG! The sky is falling.
Oh, and they “called off the test!!!!” after 2 dang years. I think that’s long enough.
I believe that the FN SCAR was the winner. However FN presumably didn't complain about the unfair testing because they were just given the M4 contract.