future of war, XM29 and XM307

ahho

Junior Member
xm29 was dropped i heard. The price of this thing is huge $12000 each. I think i head that it will be replaced by the xm8 rifle and xm25 grenade launcher.

IMO have two weapon in one like the xm29 is not a good idea. Though most AR have grenade launchers (which i think is a bit different) the xm29 is bulky. There is something that i dunno how to say but having xm8 and xm25 is a better idea

xm307 on the other hand is a beast for enemy to deal with, but how is it going to replace the 50cal??
 

ger_mark

Junior Member
it's not cancelled i think

according to a agerman site the M16 with M203 and TWS (Nightvision) costs 28.000 $ and weights 7,3 kg

while the OICW weights 6.35kg and costs 15.000$ having all the systems integrated

xm8 and xm25 would be like G36K, OICW is based on G36K aswell just without all the electronic stuff

oicwcasing.jpg

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Latest version


planned to be fielded in 2006/2007
 

Finn McCool

Captain
Registered Member
These guns are kind of scary. Its really kind of unfair. Besides, can the military really afford to put computers in all of its bullets? That would be EXPENSIVE.
 

Skycom Type 2

New Member
the bullets are expensive 500$ each last i heard for each 25mm shell.

should the xm307 live up to expectations, then it will be a rapid fire air burst gun, it should be able to replace the 50 cal (12.7mm) in infrantry suppression.

still for a military that equals the rest of the world in spending, this development feels kind of slow in my opionon, the USA should at least had the future force soldier up and running by now.
 

crazyinsane105

Junior Member
VIP Professional
That gun may run into some problems. Putting microchips in guns and even in bullets is extremely expensive. Above that, how about if the gun is dropped into water? Or gets covered in dirt/sand? Will those microchips be able to perform in extreme conditions? As of right now, computer chips will fail if they are exposed to extreme conditions. Which is why military laptops are extremely bulky: they are layered so well that the chips inside can't be damaged. The gun sounds like a spectacular idea, but can it withstand those conditions? Plus, will Congress even want to induct this weapon system especially if this thing is about 12000 dollars USD and has to equip an army of nearly two million soldiers?
 

Kampfwagen

Junior Member
The OICW Block program was put on suspension until further notice because of cost issues and issues with unit weight that were 'impossible to resolve'. Also, the XM8 has been in the same sort of limbo. Have not heard about the XM25 or XM307.

However, I have been hearing things on and off about the XM8. It definately has a better chance now than the OICW program, which is a real shame.
 

QBZ957

New Member
The Australian Army appreantly is attempting to create a similar gun to that of the American XM29 OICW. This Australian type is known as the AICW (Advanced Infantry Combat Weapon) Based on the Austrian F88 Steyr Aug rifle, it has a targeting computer, and a 40mm Grenade Launcher and of course the firing 5.56mm rounds like the original. Currently in it's prototype and trialing stages, the ADF states that they may be moved into full scale use in 2010 to 2012. Think it will be as successful?
 

MrClean

New Member
XM-29 is probably going to be scrapped, as others said. And will most likely be replaced by the XM-25 and XM-8. Which deployed in the proper numbers will probably be a better alternative. The XM-307 is also showing alot of promise, and is very likely to replace the HK GMG in the US inventory. Since the XM-307 is also available in .50 cal, it may have a chance of replacing the honorable .50 cal Browning Ma-Deuce.


XM-25:

xm25_3.jpg


xm25_1.JPG



XM-307/312 .50 cal:

xm307-1.jpg


xm312.jpg
 
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