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Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program

Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) - Male Soldier with the Next Generation Squad Weapons Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR)

Benefit to the Soldier:
The NGSW program significantly increases lethality and probability of hit at the squad level. Due to the nature of the NGSW ammunition, the 6.8mm projectile will outperform even the most modern 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition. These weapon systems will give Soldiers significant capability improvements in accuracy, range, signature management, and lethality.

Description:
The Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program is a family of products that consists of the Rifle (NGSW-R) and Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR) that utilize a common 6.8mm ammunition. The NGSW-R and NGSW-AR are the planned replacements for select weapons systems for individual soldiers, squads, and/or platoons capable of defeating protected and unprotected threats. Both weapon systems integrate the Next Generation Weapon System – Fire Control.

NGSW Rifle:
The NGSW Rifle is a modular, piston driven, select fire, magazine fed, 6.8mm rifle. Its fully ambidextrous controls are similar to M4/M4A1 carbine operations with additional ergonomic features to enhance user operation, including non-reciprocating left side charging handle, collapsible/side folding buttstock, and free floating MLOK® handguard. The weapon was designed to be suppressed and comes with a quick detach suppressor optimized for the system to deliver reduction in both sound and visible flash signatures with a significant decrease in the flow of gases back to the receiver.

NGSW Automatic Rifle:
The NGSW Automatic Rifle is a lightweight, belt-fed, select fire, 6.8mm light machine gun. It has fully ambidextrous controls, a collapsible buttstock, MLOK® mounting locations, and a recoil mitigation system. The weapon was designed to be suppressed and comes with a quick detach suppressor optimized for the system to deliver reduction in both sound and visible flash signatures with a significant decrease in the flow of gases back to the receiver.

Specifications:
The specifications for the prototype weapon systems are as follows:

NGSW-R

  • Caliber: 6.8mm
  • Weight: 8.4 pounds; with suppressor, 9.8 pounds
  • Length: 31 inches; 36 inches with suppressor
  • Barrel length: 15.3 inches
  • Range: TBD

NGSW-AR

  • Caliber: 6.8mm
  • Weight: 13.0 pounds; 14.5 pounds with suppressor
  • Length: 36.75 inches; 41.9 inches with suppressor
  • Barrel length: 17.5 inches
  • Range: TBD