Textron Systems announced on March 25 that it delivered the initial Next Generation Squad Weapon-Technology (NGSW-T) prototype demonstrator to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center and Joint Services Small Arms Program (JSSAP).

5,56mm CT LMG prototype, based on the company’s proven Cased-Telescoped (CT) Weapons and Ammunition technology (Picture source: Textron)

The automatic rifle prototype, based on the company’s proven Cased-Telescoped (CT) Weapons and Ammunition technology, is the first of five weapon demonstrators that Textron Systems will deliver for the program. “Moving from contract award to delivery of a revolutionary, next-generation weapon in just 15 months not only demonstrates the maturity of our CT technology, but also the project execution excellence our team possesses to rapidly fill critical warfighter needs on schedule,” said Textron Systems Senior Vice President of Applied Technologies & Advanced Programs Wayne Prender. “Our CT weapons and ammunition offer the growth path to a true next-generation small arms weapon for U.S. warfighters, including increased lethality at longer ranges, while also delivering significant weight reductions to the warfighter.”

Technologies demonstrated by Textron Systems under the NGSW-T effort will inform the Army’s formal NGSW program and include weapon and ammunition weight reduction, weapon sound suppression, as well as fire control integration technology.

In 2018, Textron Systems also received a separate contract from the U.S. Army to develop a prototype weapon for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle- Prototype Opportunity Notice (NGSAR-PON) program and remains on track to demonstrate the weapon in June 2019.

In development since 2004, Textron Systems’ CT weapons and ammunition offer an innovative weapon design that increases lethality and reduces total system weight by up to 40 percent. Textron Systems has developed rifles, including automatic rifles, in a variety of configurations and calibers, including 5.56mm, 6.5mm, and 7.62mm, and is supporting the Army’s current efforts to revolutionize its small arms capability.

The next generation of Cased Telescoped Weapons & Ammunition systems delivers improved maneuverability and performance at 40 percent less weight than current systems. It carries more ammo while reducing the load, CT weapons and ammo are offered in a 5.56mm CT Light Machine Gun (LMG), a 7.62mm CT Medium (MMG) Machine Gun, and a 6.5mm CT Carbine. Numerous military assessments and technical evaluations of our 5.56mm CT LMG have validated system maturity, performance, and weight reduction benefits. These proven benefits are also present in the 6.5mm and 7.62mm CT systems. When it comes to equipping the warfighter – less is definitely more: it improves short-range engagement times and provides more first-round hits at long range, increases accuracy and maneuverability.

The CT Weapons and Ammunition program is managed by a government/contractor integrated product team that works cooperatively to achieve success. Prime contractor Textron Systems has a long, proven history as a designer and manufacturer of armament and ammunition technologies, having been involved in many Army small arms development programs over the past 50 years.

Textron Systems oversees an experienced team of companies for the program including ARES, Inc. of Port Clinton, OH; Orbital ATK, of Independence, MO; General Dynamics company St. Marks Powder of St. Marks, FL; MSC Software of Santa Ana, CA; and Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, OH.