Afgahnistan Royal Marines - A2 Carbine for Viking Crew

[Beer Monster]

Thought I'd post a couple of these photos for interest. I spy the Royals Viking crew with desert nomex AFV coveralls, A2 carbine and new NVGs?:-

Defence Procurement Minister, Lord Drayson, has been visiting UK forces in southern Afghanistan, on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of NATO operations. Link. (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/DefenceProcurementMinisterVisitsArmedForcesPersonnelInAfghanistan.htm)

"I am committed to ensuring that UK forces have the right equipment. I have had very positive feedback about the new Viking vehicles, the Apache helicopter, and personal equipment, such as body armour and weapons.

"But I have also heard about areas where improvements are needed. The discussions I have had here will ensure future equipment meets the high standards our forces need."

http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7360B5B4-C9C0-4A9E-8433-1CA30A215B45/0/drayson1.jpg

http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F91E5319-7199-4112-9A77-88176CFDE3EF/0/drayson2.jpg

[SMGLee]

interesting...

B&T rail system...I knew they got a large qty of those rail system for the SA80A2 but that is the first time i have seen them.

Nice find.

[Straker]

Having handled one of the carbines the rail system seems pretty much essential, either that or a permanently attched vertical grip of some kind.

It doesn't have any kind of foregrip I would have been happy handling after more than a few rounds fired. It certainly is an interesting concept, 10" barrel length in a weapon far far shorter than a conventional weapon of the same barrel length. I haven't seen it fired but I'm guessing the muzzle blast is pretty fierce. Certainly better than a pistol though.

[Frens]

Having handled one of the carbines the rail system seems pretty much essential, either that or a permanently attched vertical grip of some kind.

It doesn't have any kind of foregrip I would have been happy handling after more than a few rounds fired. It certainly is an interesting concept, 10" barrel length in a weapon far far shorter than a conventional weapon of the same barrel length. I haven't seen it fired but I'm guessing the muzzle blast is pretty fierce. Certainly better than a pistol though.

5.56 blast fired from such a short barrel is huge compared to 9mm blast fired from a pistol in my eperience

[DeltaWhisky58]

The correct designation of this weapon is L22A1

[Straker]

5.56 blast fired from such a short barrel is huge compared to 9mm blast fired from a pistol in my eperience

Sorry wasn't very clear, I meant in terms of having a weapon that was more effective.

I kind of assummed that a pistol couldn't have as much blast, unless it was one of the massive .454 or .500 hunting rounds p-).

[andreen]

Nice to se that the Viking (BvS10) is doing fine i Afg.

Sweden
Additional Bv206S All Terrain Vehicles to the Swedish Armed Forces

BAE Systems Hägglunds AB has in a very short period of time received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on additional armoured all terrain vehicles type Bv206S. The order amounts to 52 vehicles with an option to acquire additional vehicles. The order value is estimated to 260 million Swedish Kronor. With this order the Swedish Armed Forces will hold a vehicle fleet of totally 93 Bv206S.

The reason why the Swedish Armed Forces now is expanding its possession of Hägglunds´ armoured vehicles is the need for tactical and strategic mobility, which is required in the rapid reaction force called Nordic Battle Group, which will be at EU´s disposal as from January 1st 2008. The Battle Group will be led by Sweden with participation from Finland, Norway, Estonia and Irland.

[Frens]

Sorry wasn't very clear, I meant in terms of having a weapon that was more effective.

I kind of assummed that a pistol couldn't have as much blast, unless it was one of the massive .454 or .500 hunting rounds p-).

sorry my fault then. I didn't get it ;-)

[FozzieBear]

the tip of the flashider on these new vehicle carbines look very close to that forward grip, do these marines have to wear gloves while operating the weapon? because it looks like that muzzle blast wouldnt be too caring for your hands