Australian Rifles

[SHELLSHOCK]

Hey,

Just wondering is there any other rifle in use besides the F88, or M4 in the Australian army? Just wondering. Thanks.

[digrar]

That's it for assault rifles.

[BiZ]

That's it for assault rifles.

Including the 'versions' thereof.....F88C/SA1 etc ;)

[digrar]

versions smersions :P

[PrincessRAR]

next well have the armoury nuts on here giving spicks and specks and their secret code names.

[fernleaf]

next well have the armoury nuts on here giving spicks and specks and their secret code names.

Years ago I happened to wander into an RNZAF Armours workshop, and I have never in all me days seen so much **** on the walls. Armourers are dirty bastards!! Don't leave your beer unattended around them...you'll come back to an 'Armourers Shandy'...

Oh yeah, only F88 and M4A5 assault rifles in use by Aussies. Are the M4s made by ADI yet?

[PrincessRAR]

you should see their field 6bees, abolsutely kitted to the hills, fishing rods couches tv's ovens.

[digrar]

Oh yeah, only F88 and M4A5 assault rifles in use by Aussies. Are the M4s made by ADI yet?

I think they got all the one's they needed off Colt. There was a lot of talk when I was in that the reason we had the F88 instead of the M16A2 was because Colt wouldn't (edit, or were too cheap to pay the $$ for the right to make them) let ADI make the A2 under licence.

[BiZ]

With regards to the F88 series going anywhere soon.........keep dreaming. I remember reading the Hansard (yes I was incredibly bored) regarding the initial and updated purchases of the M4 for 4RAR after the 1998 purchase for SASR.......well....were'nt the pollies having a whinge about the cost of the M4 and the "why why why" do 4RAR need them...they should just use the Steyr etc etc.....SASR don't even need and M4..what a waste of money.....on and on they went with (I think) Leahy in the chair defending the purchase and need to the inth degree (thank god).

Here's a little article that may excite some (don't hold you're breath).


Advanced Individual Combat Weapon Program:I’m pleased to confirm that the company advised the Stock Exchange this morning that the Australian Army is supporting the development of an Advanced Individual Combat Weapon, or AICW,incorporating Metal Storm technology in a rifle which can be a contender for the next generation rifle of the Australian Defence Forces.Under this three-year, $3.2million program Metal Storm will work as part of a consortium of companies to produce three fully operational prototypes.It is expected that the twin-barrelled AICW will combine an upgraded barrel similar to the current STEYR AUG Assault Rifle firing 5.56mm NATO ammunition, with a second Metal Storm 20/40mm barrel tube. This barrel will be capable of firing high-explosive projectiles or non-lethal munitions, integrated with an on-board ballistic computer. Designed to meet the standards demanded of the future generation of infantryweapons, it will also feature advanced day/night sighting and laser targeting systems, a video link to a helmet-mounted display and ID technology to limit authorised use.We intend to promote the AICW as a replacement for Australia and New Zealand's current small arms issue, and thereafter NATO, as well as ultimately the US, where a competing twin barrelled Objective Individual Combat Weapon is presently being developed to replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher and M4 carbine.The US OICW weapon will combine two fully mechanical weapons into one effective but quite complex system. By comparison, the Australian AICW will replace one of the mechanical barrels and its magazine with a simple tube. As a result, we expect the AICW will deliver advantages which include lighter weight, greater dependability and reduced cost, combined with advanced weapon performance.We are presently holding discussions which may enable close collaboration with the US OICWdevelopment, although we expect that the Australian AICW will continue to be developed separately.We are optimistic about the successful development of the AICW, and we expect that it can provide a range of important operational advantages which can result in it becoming the rifle of choice for the infantry of a number of western governments


Now..before you get excited about an Aussie F88 based Metal Storm AICW type weapon system......that article is from 29 May 2001.