Attention! The U.S. Army is a high-tech happening place these days, thanks to the fact that our soldiers are busy trying to defend people in two major operational theaters. Oh, and kill a bunch too. While deployment is still an issue—look out for moving glaciers—there’s no question that our troops are getting some kick ass kit. Click here for the full list of the service’s “10 greatest lobbyists”—I mean, “the most in Army technology as selected by “a panel of combat veteran soldiers.” First up [above]: M240L 7.62mm Lightweight Medium Machine Gun . . .
The new machine gun reduces the weight of the existing M240B without compromising reliability. “The titanium M240L represents a leap in weapons technology inspired by Soldier feedback. The lessons learned from this program will undoubtedly benefit future weapons systems that will maintain our continued advantage on the battlefield,” said Col. Douglas Tamilio, Project Manager Soldier Weapons for PEO Soldier. (Source: Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center)
5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round
Since June, the Program Executive Office for Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal has fielded about 30 million new 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds in Afghanistan. The bullet has been redesigned and now features a larger steel penetrator on its tip. A notable feature of the EPR is that its bullet features a copper core. (Source: Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center) . . .