Industry Supports Special Ops With Lethality Enhancements.

• Author: Gourley, Scott

From small arms modifications and related sighting systems to mounts for crew served weapons, industry is presenting U.S. Special Operations Forces with a broad range of potential lethality enhancements. The technology includes potential handgun "personalization" upgrades, variable power tactical optics, long-range sniper weapons, new Gatling gun designs and remotely operated lightweight weapon stations.

One element of SOCOM's small arms inventory involves handguns, where in addition to new component programs like suppressors or new ammunition, industry is providing options for war-fighters to "personalize" their existing weapon.

An example of this can be seen in the emerging Sig Sauer M18-X conversion kit, which exploits the modular design of the M17/M18 9 mm handgun carried by some SOF elements.

"The 'X' conversion is kind of a horizon project for defense," explained Jason St. John, director of government products in Sig Sauer's Defense Strategies Group. "It will capitalize for the end user on the modularity of the M17/M18 and P320 platforms with an entire suite of grip modifications, caliber conversions and other accessories to allow the professional end user to personalize the pistol themselves."

From a program perspective, St. John said the M18-X kit is "not something actively being pursued at the moment." However, noting that many of the individual kit elements are appearing in a number of emerging handgun requirements, he added: "This would be an excellent way for the end user to capitalize on the modular aspects of this platform."

More formalized program efforts can be found in the company's TANGO6T variable power riflescope, a 1-6X variable-magnification scope that enables the user to engage both close-quarter targets and targets at extended ranges.

In November, TANGO6T was selected by the Defense Department for the Direct View Optic (DVO) in response to a solicitation to enhance squad performance with a variable powered riflescope. That award followed its earlier selection for the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) and the Squad-Variable Powered Scope (S-VPS).

"TANGO6T has a 1-6 power direct view optic in the second focal plane," St. John said. "That's compared to a traditional optic one might find fielded on military weapon platforms, which could be 1X powered red dot or some fixed 1-and-6 or 1-and-4 optics. The variable power on the TANGO6T provides the operator with the opportunity for increases in target engagement."

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