SIG Sauer brings its experience with the SIG MG 338 to the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) project. The two weapons presented at the MILIPOL in Paris at the end of November 2019 – thatSIG MG-6.8as a light machine gun (NGSW-AR) and the SIG MCX-SPEAR as a telescopic sight rifle (NGSW-R) - are designed for a new hybrid ammunition in caliber 6.8 mm x 51.
The SIG MG-6.8 is a firing weapon with a short-stroke gas piston system. It has an interface for a belt box, a magazine feed is not provided. At 5,440 grams, the weapon weighs 35 percent less than a comparable MK48 Mod 1. It also has the same recoil reduction system as the SIG MG 338. Likewise, the cover with the upper part of the belt feeder does not open to the front, but to the side. In this way, optics can be used with attachments without any problems. The fire selector lever, which can be operated from both sides, locks in the positions safe – continuous fire – single fire. The weapon can be secured in any state of charge. The extendable buttstock, which can be locked in five positions, can be folded onto the left side of the housing. The standard barrel is 16" long (406 mm). The functional and operational safety certification of the US Army is available.
The SIG MCX-SPEAR also works with a short-stroke gas piston system. It has a mechanism with a double loading lever: The weapon can be fully loaded either in the classic AR-15 manner with the cocking lever on the rear of the housing or with a smaller folding lever on the left side of the weapon. The gun can be operated from both sides and has a 13" barrel. The latest generation of silencers can be used.
The associated hybrid ammunition uses the 6.8 mm projectile specified by the US Army and a combined steel/brass case. This allows weight savings of up to 20 percent compared to conventional ammunition. According to the company, the recoil of this load from the SIG MG-6.8 is comparable to that of a 5.56 mm x 45. At an effective range of 1,200 meters, the 6.8 mm x 51 has a significantly higher impact on the target than the smaller standard NATO cartridge.
Both the SIG MG 6.8 and the SIG MCX SPEAR can be set up as multi-caliber systems for other calibers, such as 7.62 mm x 51 or 6.5 Creedmoor. The hybrid ammunition is also to be made available in other calibers.
Jan-Phillipp Weisswange
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