Sidenote, I'm 90% sure that Sig will win the contract. Their rifle is simply more practical and economical while still offering substantive improvements over the current gen of rifles. It's either Sig or general dynamics. Textron is oblivious to some of the other factors that matter with small arms induction and so is GD to an extent.
Me too. The contender is the Sig MCX Spear. It has the most commonality with the M16/M4 pattern weapon systems in terms of ergonomics. The only major change over the MCX Virtus is the location of the changing handle. And the caliber ofc. (6.8*51mm). And the lightweight alloy case of the bullet is also going to be fairly cheap to produce.
Textron's entry has wayyy too many parts. Have you seen that ejection system?? Even if it does function in all climatic conditions, it is going to be expensive as hell. And then there is the question of ammo. That case telescoped cartridge would cost 6-7 times as much as conventional ammo to produce. Even Umcle Sam ain't gonna pay that much.
GD is offering a bullpup. So I guess they are out just like that. Training so many soldiers as extensively as the US does isn't going to be easy. The polymer case ammo isn't going to come cheap either.
But the real game changer is going to be the optic. It is a mini Fire Control System of sorts. It has a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, datalink with the operator's helmet mounted display (they're doing that as well), etc. It can zero the optic based on inputs from these components. And a shit ton of other wizardry.
A stark contrast with Indian procurements. When I compare our system to theirs, I end up feeling so fucking frustrated. It starts with the clown who wrote the bloody GSQRs. Id wring his fucking neck if I found him... Three different calibers for infantry??!! This is depressing af, lol.
www.armyrecognition.com
