FN America delivered test and evaluation samples of two all-new weapon systems, along with ammunition, as part of a long-term development contract with the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) early this month. The company also conducted new equipment training (NET) and armorer’s training for both systems to demonstrate maintenance at the unit level.
“FN’s ultimate goal is to advance from development into production and field a final solution that provides operators a system that is easier to operate, more accurate and more effective than anything available today,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America. “After this test and evaluation phase, our plan is to take user feedback, fine-tune the systems and move into low-rate initial production.”
FN America developed the weapon systems with feedback from individual operators, based on the U.S. Government goal of providing overmatch against near-peer threats.
The LICC-IWS (Individual Weapon System) program is comprised of the 6.5x43 LICC (Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge) ammunition, the LICC-IWS with FN IPC (Improved Performance Carbine), purpose-built magazine and signature suppressor.
The LICC-AMG (Assault Machine Gun) is based on the success of the prototype LICC ammunition and LICC-IWS system. It is comprised of the belt-fed machine gun, signature suppressor, family of common ammunition and lightweight links. Multiple users will test the operational samples and provide critical feedback to aid FN and IWTSD in the final development of the systems.
FN designed the LICC individual weapon system to improve lethality, accuracy, durability, balance and handling over the M4A1. The improved performance derives from a new 6.5x43 LICC lightweight ammunition, which is based on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s .264 USA.
The LICC-IWS IPC handles much like an M4A1 but with key improvements to deliver a fully ambidextrous platform with unique takedown method and highly adjustable buttstock, which allows for user-selectable left- or right-hand side fold capability. It operates from a robust long-stroke gas piston system and features multiple buffers that reduce felt recoil, resulting in an extremely soft-shooting weapon. Additionally, it features a unique self-regulating gas system with on-off capability. The firearm has been developed and is being tested in three different barrel-length models—a 12.5-inch Close Quarters Battle option, a 14.5-inch Carbine option and an 18-inch Designated Marksmanship Rifle option (REECE).
“Initial test firing results from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and other operators show that the accuracy of the LICC-IWS is consistently two times better than the M4A1,” said Jim Williams, vice president of military programs for FN America. “Additionally, the LICC-IWS handles like the M4A1, yet remains soft shooting when firing the new 6.5x43 lightweight ammunition.”
Adapted from the FN Evolys, the select-fire LICC-AMG is a shoulder-fired, belt-fed lightweight weapon system chambered in 6.5x43 LICC with a continuous monolithic top rail and an innovative side feed featuring a lightweight metallic link. In prototype testing, the AMG was more accurate than the FN MK 48 in full-auto mode.
