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Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)

The Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) effort is developing a new rifle (NGSW-R) and automatic rifle (NGSW-AR) with a common 6.8mm cartridge in a variety of ammunition types (General Purpose, Special Purpose, Reduced Range, and blank) intended to replace the M16, M4A1 Carbines and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in the Close Combat Force.

Close combat is warfare characterized by brutal physical confrontation. The Close Combat Force — a group that includes select infantry, scouts, combat medics, forward observers, combat engineers and Special Operations Forces - make up 4% of the military, but since World War II, have sustained 90% of the casualties. The five military occupational specialties as well as Army Special Operations Forces are roughly 120,000 soldiers.

An Army infantry squad is controlled by the squad leader. The squad can be broken further into two four-man fire teams, controlled by a fire team leader. The squad leader and fire team leaders are equipped with the M4A1 Carbine weapon system. The remaining members of the squad consist of two grenadiers carrying an M4A1 weapon system with a 40mm grenade launcher attachment, two riflemen equipped with a M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) and two riflemen only carrying the M4A1 weapon system. In order to defeat the enemy, a squad must employ fire and maneuver, where one fire team provides suppressive fire allowing the other fire team to maneuver itself to a position of tactical advantage. Since the infantry squad is broken down into two fire teams, either one can be used as a suppressing force or assaulting force.

The Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program includes a common fire control, common family of ammunition and two 6.8mm caliber weapons – a rifle (the XM5) and an automatic rifle (the XM250). The XM5 and XM250 will eventually replace the M4/M4A1 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, respectively, in the CCF. This is the first time in 65 years the Army will field a new weapon system of this nature, a rifle and automatic rifle, a fire control system and a new caliber family of ammunition. The next gen squad weapon rifle is about two pounds heavier than the M4, while the automatic rifle is actually four pounds less than the current M249 squad automatic weapon.

The XM5 and XM250 will be paired with the XM157 Fire Control, a ruggedized advanced fire control system that increases accuracy and lethality for the close combat force. The XM157 integrates a number of advanced technologies, including a variable magnification optic (1X8), backup etched reticle, laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, atmospheric sensor suite, compass, Intra-Soldier Wireless, visible and infrared aiming lasers, and a digital display overlay. It is produced by Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics, Barneveld, Wisconsin.

The capability increase that these weapons provide over the M4 and the M249 is what's really exciting. It's a significant change. The way it fires, the way when an operator applies the fire control [which was previous awarded back in January] to these weapons systems it improves or increases the probability of it for the individual Soldier, reduces aim error, and is a game changer. In addition to the accuracy provided by the next-generation fire control systems, there is also much greater energy at the target -- whether it's protected or unprotected at various ranges.

The program, which was scheduled to begin fielding prototypes by late 2022, aims to provide Soldiers with the highest quality, most capable small caliber weapons and ammunition to achieve and retain overmatch against adversaries. Specific advantages offered by the NGSW include increased performance at range, integrated squad fire control, enhanced ergonomics, lightweight case ammunition technologies and signature suppression capabilities. The new weapons will improve Soldier mobility and maneuverability, enhancing ability to execute missions and evade adversaries.

The Small Arms Ammunition Configuration (SAAC) study, completed in 2017, identified potential weapon system approaches that can address operational needs. The 2017 SAAC study validated a standing requirement for increased energy at the target and identified the need to reduce shooter error through advance fire control capabilities.

The next generation squad weapon will be filled up with a full suite of 6.8 ammunition to support both combat and training. The key combat cartridge for the system leverages the technology successfully demonstrated in various small caliber improvements. It builds upon the enhanced performance round, the EPR, in current 5.56 inventory and enhancements in other calibers to address a broad spectrum of targets. Soldier feedback has been very positive on the 5.56 EPR, the extended enhanced performance round since its introduction since 2010. However, the current 5.56 cartridge has been maxed out from the performance perspective.

The new weapon, with its increased operating pressure and size allows the Army to significantly increase the performance capability of the ammunition. These advanced -- these advances allow Soldiers at the squad level to deliver improved target defeat at higher energies to advanced threats at extended ranges. Over the next couple of years, additional ammunition technologies such as reduced range ammunition will be fielded to allow further flexibility for Soldiers to train with existing infrastructures.

To investigate potential technologies that support these approaches, the U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ) on behalf of U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), awarded on 05 December 2017 a competitive Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) Initiative 17-01 INIT 1407 to AAI Corporation doing business as Textron Systems Unmanned Systems through agreement W15QKN-14-9-1001 under Section 815 Prototype OTA authority, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2371b. This DOTC initiative is for the development and fabrication of advanced lightweight small caliber cartridge prototype ammunition and the development and fabrication of a functional prototype weapon system capable of firing this ammunition.

In addition, ACC-NJ on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PM SW), issued a competitive PON under Section 815 OTA authority, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, and awarded on 25 June 2018 six fixed amount, prototype OTAs to the following:

• W15QKN-18-9-1017 – AAI Corporation Textron Systems
• W15QKN-18-9-1018 – FN America LLC. (Design 1)
• W15QKN-18-9-1019 – FN America LLC. (Design 2)
• W15QKN-18-9-1020 – General Dynamics-OTS Inc.
• W15QKN-18-9-1021 – PCP Tactical, LLC
• W15QKN-18-9-1022 – Sig Sauer Inc.

These Prototype OTA's are for the manufacture and development of a Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle system demonstrator. NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine in the close combat force. NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in the close combat force. The new NGSW PON will not replace the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR) system demonstrator. Both weapons will leverage a common cartridge. The Government will be providing Vendors with 6.8mm Surrogate, and General Purpose (GP) projectiles. Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control is a separate acquisition effort.

“NGSW-R” refers to a prototype 6.8 millimeter rifle with sling, flash hider, suppressor, cleaning kit, flash hider/suppressor removal tool, and quantities of magazines required to provide a minimum of 210 stowed rounds. “NGSW-AR” refers to a prototype 6.8 millimeter automatic rifle with bi-pod, sling, flash hider, suppressor, cleaning kit, flash hider/suppressor removal tool, and quantities of magazines/drums/belts/other required to provide a minimum of 210 stowed rounds “Ammunition” includes an assembled cartridge case with propellant, primer, and a 6.8 millimeter projectile. The Ammunition includes the Load, Assemble and Pack (LAP) of Government provided projectiles, Surrogate or General Purpose (GP), and Contractor developed Drill Dummy Inert (DDI) and High Pressure Test (HPT) cartridges. ”Common Ammunition” refers to the same ammunition designed to work in both the NGSW-R and NGSW-AR.

Under Section 815 Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) authority, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, the U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, on 29 August 2019 awarded three separate Fixed Amount, Full and Open Competition (F&OC), Prototype OTA's to:

• W15QKN-19-9-1024 - General Dynamics-OTS Inc. - Williston, VT
• W15QKN-19-9-1025 - AAI Corporation Textron Systems - Hunt Valley, MD
• W15QKN-19-9-1022 - Sig Sauer Inc. - Newington, NH

TThese Prototype OTAs will enhance mission effectiveness by developing two weapon variants under the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program and 6.8 millimeter ammunition common to both weapons. The weapons include the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The expected Prototype OTA period of performance is up to 8 years with delivery of weapons and ammunition expected within 27 months after award.

The Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) detailed how the Government intended to award up to three prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, with each COMPANY developing two weapon variants under the NGSW program and 6.8 millimeter ammunition common to both weapons. The weapons include the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in the Close Combat Force.

Deliverables for each prototype OTA include 53 NGSW-R weapons, 43 NGSW-AR weapons, 845,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, test barrels, tools/gauges/accessories, engineering support, and iterative prototyping efforts as defined in the Statement of Work. Each prototype OTA will undergo two prototype test events including Soldier Touch Points. The duration for each prototype OTA is estimated to be up to eight years. The first 27 months will be for prototyping the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. Following this prototyping effort, there may be additional iterative prototyping efforts for the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. These iterative prototyping efforts will each have separate durations and will occur within the eight year duration.

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2371b(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project (or any subsequent iterative prototyping efforts) was successfully completed under the competitively awarded OTA(s), a follow-on production contract(s) or OTA(s) may be awarded without the use of competitive procedures.

The follow-on production award(s) was planned to be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract with Firm Fixed Price Delivery Orders up to ten years or a fixed amount OTA up to ten years. The production award(s) may include 250,000 total weapons system(s) (NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, or both), 150,000,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, tools/gauges/accessories, and engineering support. The value of this follow-on production award(s) is estimated to be $10M in the first year and estimated $150M per year at the higher production rates.

As of August 2021, the NGSW program was on schedule and within the $231.0 million cost estimate. NGSW program personnel transitioned the fire control effort to an MTA rapid fielding program in July 2021 and plan to transition the weapons and ammunition effort of the program to an MTA rapid fielding program in FY 2022. The program objective and milestones complied with the requirements of entering the MTA pathway, as defined by DoD guidance, for the NGSW program.

Textron had not met the success criteria of their OTA and were excluded from the final competition because of that. It was a fierce competition and there was a lot of communication and full transparency.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager – Soldier Lethality, on 20 April 2022 awarded a firm fixed price, Ten Year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), follow-on Production Contract W15QKN-22-D-0008, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2371b(f) to Sig Sauer, Inc. located in Newington, NH. The Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Production Contract will provide the U.S. Government the ability to procure the XM5 Rifle, XM250 Automatic Rifle, 6.8mm Family of Ammunition, supporting accessories, contractor support, and spares for the US Army, other Department of Defense Services, and potential Foreign Military Sales. The XM5 is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the XM250 is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) within the Close Combat Force. This award was made following a rigorous 27-month prototyping and evaluation effort that included numerous technical tests and Soldier touch points of three competing prototype systems.

“The U.S. Army is taking a bold step toward command of the 21st century battlefield and SIG SAUER is immensely proud to be the selected provider for this historic revolution in infantry weapons. The fielding of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System will forever change the dynamic of military engagement for America’s warfighters with American innovation and manufacturing,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.

The SIG FURY Hybrid Ammunition (6.8 Common Cartridge), SIG-LMG (XM250), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle (XM5) and SIG SLX Suppressors meaningfully advance soldier weapons technology to meet the emerging requirements of the U.S. Army. The SIG 6.8x51 FURY Hybrid Ammunition uses a patented lightweight metallic case designed to handle pressures higher than conventional ammunition, resulting in dramatically increased velocity and on-target energy in lighter weapons.

The SIG-LMG lightweight belt-fed machine gun and SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle are purpose-built to harness the energy of the SIG FURY 6.8 Common Cartridge Ammunition enabling greater range and increased lethality while reducing the soldier’s load on the battlefield. Both the SIG-LMG and MCX-SPEAR deliver significant weapon and technology advancements to the soldier and provide a solution for battlefield overmatch in comparison to the current M249 and M4/M4A1.

The U.S. Army’s procurement of the NGSW System marks the beginning of an era where combat weapons are coupled with a suppressor as standard issue equipment. The SIG SLX Suppressors are designed to reduce harmful gas backflow, sound signature and flash. SIG SLX Suppressors feature a patented quick-detach design for easy install and removal.

The first unit would be equipped around fourth quarter '23. The fielding of the weapon is based upon ammunition production. So as the vendor is able to produce ammunition and then Lake City ultimately comes on, what the Army doesn't want to do is field a capability to a unit which doesn't have training ammunition or contingency ammunition if required. And so that is what drives the fielding of the weapon -- the types of units that the Army would field it to initially.