The U.S. Army announced last Friday that firearm manufacturer Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. has been contracted to manufacture a sniper rifle to replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon System.
Knight’s Armament Company manufactures the M110, which made its combat debut in 2008. The Semi-Automatic Sniper System has since been deemed too large and difficult to carry by several top military officials. H&K was just one of the many fire-arm manufacturers to compete for the contract to manufacture a “shorter, more accurate, more ergonomic and more reliable” sniper rifle.
The Army labeled the prospective sniper rifle the “Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System,” which has a max potential contract value of $44.5 million.
“Compared to the M110, the CSASS will be easier to carry, handle and maneuver in close quarters combat,” a military document reported. “It will lighten the load for carrying over rough terrain for the longer range ridgeline to ridgeline fight. These improvements will not sacrifice existing performance, accuracy or reliability.”
The Army gave desired specifications for the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System after announcing the competition for the contract. H&K will manufacture a sniper rifle that will not exceed 9 pounds nor be longer than 36 inches, according to Military.com.
Although Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. hasn’t chosen which weapon will epitomize these specifications, numerous military tech enthusiasts see H&K’s G28 to be a suitable candidate, according to reports from the Houston Chronicle. However, the G28 currently does not meet the Army’s desired specifications.
The Army also emphasized its desire to improve fire control and optics.
“Capabilities common to an advancement fire control device include a laser rangefinder to determine the distance to a target, a ballistic sensor to detect the position of the weapon system, and sensors that can measure local and downrange environmental conditions that would affect the trajectory of a round,” the military document added.
The Army firmly believes the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System and fire control technology “will make snipers and soldiers more effective in combat.”