downsizer wrote:Why would you think I was referring to you princess, inferiority complex?
Shhhhhh he carried the SLR on Op Banner. The hero.
downsizer wrote:Why would you think I was referring to you princess, inferiority complex?
If the A1 was built to A2 standards I think there would have been a few more genuine sales (not state aid)- maybe not by much, but a few.marktigger wrote: its export failure is a verdict that speaks volumes we've only managed to give them away as aid. If it was as good as all the hype the world would have been beating its way to the UK's door to buy it.
I thought the A1 was removed and the A2 restored its place later?marktigger wrote: It's not on the NATO approved list either (it was removed after the A2 update). Given the choice it would appear people choose other things.
Tony, it gets even worse when you think that both projects started around the same time (mid 60's), we could have joined together and had something that wasn't laughed at.Tony Williams wrote:I had the opportunity to handle and shoot both old and new versions of the Steyr AUG in Austria last week, and was very impressed. It is still an astonishingly advanced design even at 40 years old, and a pleasure to carry and shoot. It was light years ahead of the L85A1, and I do wish that the British Army faction that wanted to adopt it in the 1980s had been listened to, but nationalism prevailed (never a good idea for British automatic small arms, the good ones we've used have almost all been imported).
No, it wasn't available.Little J wrote: Did you try the new Aussie version, the EF88 / F90?
yeap its going to be interesting to see what way it goes the timeframe means many of the current generation of smallarms will be being replaced by their manufacturers.arfah wrote:One day, there will be a time when the L85 (SA80) will be replaced.
BAE Systems doesn't have a small arms manufacturing capability anymore, so are there any other UK companies with the experience and tooling necessary to do so?
Owned by FN Herstal, Manroy Engineering makes licensed versions of the FN MAG58 (L7 GPMG), M2HB Browning .50cal HMG and 20mm Hispano-Suiza belt fed cannon.
http://www.manroy.com/products-capabilities.html
Might I enquire as to why the HK417 would be interesting?marktigger wrote: HK417 would be interesting
Probably not, but neither could anyone else without retooling.arfah wrote:could A.I. handle the volume as their sniper rifles are hand built?mr.fred wrote:...
Same goes for "Small and Bespoke" companies.
A new order for a modern rifle could be as high as 200,000 units, assuming current personnel strength remains constant...
mr.fred wrote:Might I enquire as to why the HK417 would be interesting?marktigger wrote: HK417 would be interesting
There would be some logic to that, in that the design, handling etc would be a close match for the LMT 7.62mm L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle already in service, thereby simplifying training. Although I'd like to see more L129A1 bought as well, to provide one 7.62mm rifle for every two 5.56mm. Until such time as a intermediate calibre cartridge to replace both is adopted (I'm not holding my breath) that would be as good a combo as any currently available.arfah wrote:Well, in that case it's Lewis Machine Tools M4/M16 derivative for me.
marktigger wrote:why not just go back to 7.62mmx51?
Maybe this is where the Desert-Tech MDR will have an advantage, being designed for 762 but with a 556 kit (among others). Are there any MG's that can do the same?marktigger wrote:but having sections with 50% carrying 5.56mm and 50% carrying 7.62 causes serious logistics problems and interoperability problems when you are aren't operating from a fixed base. having a single type of ammunition means redistribution of ammunition is simpler.
would you want to be carrying the conversion kit on your webbing all the time you were in the field? And having to convert your rifle in the field?Little J wrote:
Maybe this is where the Desert-Tech MDR will have an advantage, being designed for 762 but with a 556 kit (among others). Are there any MG's that can do the same?
but if you are talking about mixing calibers at section level you will need to have the capability much further forward.Little J wrote:No, the idea is that if your in say, a built up area (short engagement) before deployment your issued a 556 version. If your deployed to Afghan type terrain, before deployment, the same weapon is configured to 762.
Same with barrel lengths.
The latest marks of the Minimi can be converted from 5.56mm to 7.62mm.Little J wrote:Maybe this is where the Desert-Tech MDR will have an advantage, being designed for 762 but with a 556 kit (among others). Are there any MG's that can do the same?
I agree entirely, which is one reason why I've always been in favour of an intermediate calibre round to replace bothmarktigger wrote:but having sections with 50% carrying 5.56mm and 50% carrying 7.62 causes serious logistics problems and interoperability problems when you are aren't operating from a fixed base. having a single type of ammunition means redistribution of ammunition is simpler.