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Sof Machine Gun Family

This document summarizes the MK46 and MK48 family of machine guns developed for USSOCOM. It describes the MK46 as a lightweight 5.56mm machine gun that shares 80% parts commonality with the M249, and weighs 27% less. The MK48 is described as the "big brother" 7.62mm version that shares parts with the MK46 and M249, and weighs 34% less than the M240B. The document outlines the acquisition process, which emphasized early operator involvement, a streamlined acquisition approach, and a "fly before you buy" developmental testing strategy. It notes the MK48 met or exceeded all requirements in testing and provides a successful case study of USSOCOM small arms

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Abhijit Das
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383 views15 pages

Sof Machine Gun Family

This document summarizes the MK46 and MK48 family of machine guns developed for USSOCOM. It describes the MK46 as a lightweight 5.56mm machine gun that shares 80% parts commonality with the M249, and weighs 27% less. The MK48 is described as the "big brother" 7.62mm version that shares parts with the MK46 and M249, and weighs 34% less than the M240B. The document outlines the acquisition process, which emphasized early operator involvement, a streamlined acquisition approach, and a "fly before you buy" developmental testing strategy. It notes the MK48 met or exceeded all requirements in testing and provides a successful case study of USSOCOM small arms

Uploaded by

Abhijit Das
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

2003 JOINT SERVICES


SMALL ARMS SYMPOSIUM

Abhijit Das
1
FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

• MK46 (5.56mm LMG)/MK48 (7.62mm LMG)


provide USSOCOM with a “Little Brother/Big
Brother” that provides for Ergonomic and Parts
Commonality

MK46 MOD0 MK48 MOD0

2
FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

MK46 MOD0 - Lightweight Variant of the M249

• Manufactured by FNMI
• Weighs 27% less than the M249
• 80% M249 Parts Commonality
• Interoperable with the USSOCOM SOPMOD Kit
• 100K Receiver Life
• 9,700 MRBS
• FOC reached in JULY 01
• Crane IDIQ Contract valid until JUNE 05

3
Why a 7.62mm LMG?

The current 7.62mm Machine Gun


within the NSW Inventory
(M60/MK43) has proven to be less
than reliable, NSW users have lost
confidence in the weapon and the
weapon is becoming logistically
unsupportable.

USSOCOM approved a MNS/ORD on


21 March 2001 for a new Lightweight
7.62mm Machine Gun (LMG).

4
What is a MK48 MOD0 LMG?

“Big Brother” to the MK46 (5.56mm LMG)

Weighs 34% less than the M240B


70% Parts Commonality between MK46, M249
and M240
Interoperable with the USSOCOM SOPMOD Kit
100K Receiver Life
11,500 MRBS
FUE scheduled for AUG 03
Crane IDIQ Contract valid through MAR 07

5
FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

MK48 MOD0 Program


“A USSOCOM Small Arms Success Story”

Roadmap to Success
Secret to Success
Operator Involvement

6
Acquisition Secret

Operator Involvement
Early Market Research
IPT with Developers to draft
Performance Specification
Operational Assessment(s)
Prioritize Weapon Improvements
Developer and Industry to determine
Logistic Support Approach
Future System Improvements

7
FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

MK48 MOD0 Program


“A USSOCOM Small Arms Success Story”
Roadmap to Success

Streamlined Acquisition
Up-Front Operator/Developer/Industry Involvement
“Fly before You Buy” Test Strategy
Weapon/Vendor Performance

8
Streamlined Acquisition

FY02 New Start/Sponsored by USSOCOM (PEO-SP)


Issued Competitive Solicitation on 27 Sep 01
Product Samples received on 1 Mar 02
5 Year IDIQ Contract (N00164-02-D-0024) awarded to
FNMI on 8 Mar 02
Disciplined Test Process
FUE scheduled for Aug 2003
Contract also provides for Cradle to Grave
Sustainment

9
Fly before You Buy

Test / Analyze / Fix / Test


Product Samples
Initial Safety Evaluation
Initial Operator Assessment
Initial Developmental Testing
IPT Operator/Developer/FNMI analyze Test
Results, propose Fixes
LRIP Units
Streamlined Operator Assessment
Streamlined Developmental Testing

10
MK48 MOD0 Performance

Objective Threshold Actual


Ammunition (KPP) 7.62mm X 51 7.62mm X 51 7.62mm X 51
Weight (lbs) 18 21 18
Length 40.0” 45.0” 39.5”
34.6”
Interoperability w/SOPMOD 4 3 5
(# Rails)

Service Life (# rds) 100K 50K >100K


Barrel Life (# rds) 25K 10K >25K
Reliability (MRBS) 8K 4K >8K

11
MK48 MOD0 Program
“A USSOCOM Small Arms Success Story”

Involve Operator at all Levels


Streamlined Acquisition wherever possible
Fly before You Buy
Innovative Testing Strategy
Conduct Operational Assessments Early
and Often
MK48 MOD0 met or exceeded all ORD
Requirements
MK48/MK46: Big Brother/Little Brother

12
Possible Opportunities

MK46/MK48 Suppressors via FMBS


Program

“Semi Rigid” Ammunition Containers

Durable Blank Firing

13
FAMILY OF SOF MACHINE GUNS

“The Bottom Line”

14
“Harnessing the Power of
Technology for the
Warfighter”

Presentation presented by:


Abhijit Das
Class – IX ,sec – b
Roll - 1
15

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