LSAT (cont.)
I learned that AAI is already at work on a lightweight assault rifle to fire the same CT and CL ammunition for the LSAT SAW. This initiative is particularly timely given growing dissatisfaction with the U.S. military’s currently issued M16 rifle and M4 carbine.
If caseless ammunition advances to the point where it is comparable to traditional, brass-cased cartridges in price, performance and durability, a number of practical reasons would invite change.
The Crystal Ball
A final try for an answer to the “when” question was once again met by Spiegel with the kind of cautious wisdom that comes from many years of experience. “We just don’t know because both cartridge types hold so much promise and there’s more work to be done,” she advised. “My assumption for LSAT’s transition to Program Manager Soldier Weapons is that it would not happen before 2010.”
I didn’t ask Spiegel to speculate on how long it will take after her team’s finalized “best solution” gun and ammunition have been passed on to PMSW before the M249 is replaced. By this time I realized that it was just not a fair question. So I didn’t ask about ray guns, either.
AAI’s website has a downloadable LSAT brochure and more at www.aaicorp.com. Click Advanced Programs then Lightweight Small Arms Technologies. A formal briefing on LSAT was presented at National Defense Industrial Association’s Small Arms Symposium. It may be found at www.dtic.mil/ndia/2007smallarms/5_9_07/Spiegel_820am.pdf.