Light warriors: firearms and ammunitions innovations
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עברית (Hebrew)
Innovations to decrease the weight of the weaponry soldiers carry in the field, in training and in battle. This is the unfolding trend in the IDF’s Technological Division (in charge of Materiel R&D and Acquisition) in the Israel Defense Forces Ground Command. This is among the lessons of “Operation Protective Edge”.
Light firearms Desk Manager Major T. explains that one of the strongest trends in the IDF is to reduce the weight of arms and equipment combat soldiers carry. This is the driving force behind the following firearms and ammunitions innovations:
- One of the lessons of “Operation Protective Edge”: developed of a shoulder launched missile, to be introduced into service in the IDF in the coming three years. During the recent military operation in Gaza, it became clear changes must be introduced in two of the IDF’s operational shoulder-launched missiles. Firstly, the 10kg Matador, with its excellent performance in urban areas and closed spaces, is nevertheless heavy. On the other hand, the second system, LAW, however lighter, is ill suited for firing in closed spaces and is difficult to operate in urban areas.
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- Developing new bullets for the IMI Negev light machine gun. The new 5.56 bullets will have the same performance as the current 7.67 bullets of a medium machine gun. Thus, the Negev’s performance will equal that of the IDF’s FN MAG.
- There are deliberations concerning the development of 5.56 bullets weighing a third less than existing ones. This weight reduction will be achieved thanks to applying new technology of combining plastic elements in the bullets’ canister. These 5.56 bullets are suitable for M-16 guns, Tavor Assault Rifle, micro-Tavor and M4. The bullets weigh very little, and yet, combat soldiers carry at least a few 29-bullet magazines, and this adds up. Reducing this ammo’s weight by 30% would make their lives much easier in the field.
