Originally posted by Panzerfaust
Those XM automatic rifles look like German G36. Is there any connection between XM and G36?
Short version: The XM8 is nothing else than the formidable HK G36 stuffed into a fish
Long version: The XM8 is a program that was derived from the XM29 OICW program. The KE part of the XM29 is basically a scaled-down G36. Here you can
see a disassembled XM29. IMO its weird that they expect this bulky weapon could be useful in bayonet fights...(Yes i KNOW this pic isnt the latest
version of OICW, only for demonstration...).
As it became clear that the OICW wouldnt lead to the desired results (to large parts because of the still heavy weight) it was decided to develop the
rifle and air burst weapon (now labelled XM25) parts seperately from each other to melt them together when they are perfected.
The only significant differences between the XM8 and the G36E (the export version with only one 1.5x red dot) are the lower weight, the adjustable
buttstock (8 positions instead of 4 on the M4 I think), the ease of modding the weapon into different specialized versions in less than 10 minutes and
without special tools. The G36 and thus the XM8 can be cleaned in less than 5 minutes, as opposed to the 10-15 minutes for M16 that I read of (no
actual experience).
Just in case you dont know what Im talking about (although this pic is to be found in virtually every thread about XM8):
The simlarities I speak of are obvious in this interesting shot (note the exact same position of grip and magazine, and the similar measures of the
receiver):
The holes in the XM8 handguard are for mounting standard rails, so every special equipment that is now used on M16/M4 can be used with XM8 too (so
everyone complaining about huge additional costs with XM8 is wrong). The only other new part that will be introduced is the XM320 underbarrel grenade
launcher (Which again is a slightly modified HK AG36, the launcher that fits on the G36). It has several advantages over the M203 like the pistol grip
for better handling and a side-breaching barrel as opposed to M203 "pump-action" style, which allows for special purpose grenades nearly as long as
the barrel to be used.
Personal notice: Although I dont think that the Xm8/G36 are the überguns (thats the G11
), it really bugs me when people dismiss the XM8 judging
by its looks, calling it a supersoaker, a phaser, HALO or BB gun that wont intimidate anyone like the M16 is supposed to. These people should think
back to when the M16 was introduced and instantly was labelled the plastic or black rifle.... To quote Douglas Adams, a gun should be designed as such
that one instantly knows when facing the ugly end
++++++++
The British army has argued to switch to the G36 for some while now. The SA80 has been a major cause of unrst ever since it has been developed, and
even the HK evision didnt eliminate all of its problems (I think it is prone to rust, too). I guess they are only awaiting the OK from government.
Although they might switch to XM8 too when or if the US Army puts it into service.
And to thread starter: I found a pic that summarizes most of your posted pics
Soldier as a system
[edit on 17-6-2005 by Lonestar24]
