At a recent media event at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the U.S. Army showcased its new rifle and automatic rifle, revealing their advanced capabilities. These weapons are set to replace the current M4 and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon for close combat forces. The new gear offers improved accuracy, reach, and lethality, with the research underscoring the balance between workout frequency and effective muscle adaptation.
Key Points:
- The Next Generation Squad Weapon XM7 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle are the Army’s latest additions, designed to be more accurate and lethal than their predecessors.
- Both weapons use a new 6.8mm “intermediate caliber” round and come equipped with a magnified XM157 fire control or rifle optic, enhancing shooting accuracy.
- The XM7 is distinguished by features such as a two-position adjustable gas valve and a free-floating MLOK handguard, while the XM250 is a belt-fed, air-cooled light machine gun.
- While the new weapons show increased effectiveness and accuracy, they carry fewer rounds, suggesting soldiers can achieve better results with fewer shots.
- Operational assessments of these weapon systems are scheduled for early fiscal 2025, after undergoing various environmental tests.