The U.S. Army moved closer to a cutting edge compact semi-automatic sniper system, or CSASS.
In a recent post on the federal business opportunities website, is asking industry for information on a identify potential sources for manufacturing a complete system for a new M110A1 7.62mm compact semi-automatic sniper system.
The M110A1 is a lightweight, piston driven, semi-automatic, box magazine fed, 7.62 x 51mm rifle intended to engage and defeat personnel targets out to 800 meters, according to an Army posting on the federal business opportunities website this week.
According to the post, the U.S. Army is seeking manufacturer for new compact sniper system that can provide infantry, scout, and engineer squads the capability to engage with accurate rifle fire at longer ranges.
The new rifle should be equipped with a different buttstock and barrel twist than the CSASS model and the maximum overall assembled length of the rifle shall be not greater than 38 inches with the stock at its shortest position and no suppressor mounted.
Also noted that the unloaded rifle with forward rails for concurrent mounting of required accessories (minimum 2″ rail sections at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions), but without suppressor, magazines, and accessories shall weigh no more than 10.0 pounds.
What’s more, are potential sources should meet the following criteria:
- Operation: Semi-automatic
- Caliber: Compatible with 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges
- Dispersion: Capable of average mean radius of 0.75 inches at 100 meters or less with match ammunition
- Trigger: Precision trigger where total sear engagement is released in 2 distinct stages.
- Handguard: A fore end that includes a fixed 12 o’ clock rail with configurable 3, 6, and 9 o’ clock rails.
- Suppressor: A muzzle mounted, quick detachable suppressor.
- Muzzle device: A compensator/muzzle break compatible with the suppressor.
- Bipod: Tool-less detachment featuring cant and track capability.
- Back up sights: Iron sights offset 45 deg.
- Sling attachment: Quick detach sling attachment points.
In addition to the above-listed enhancements, the M110A1 must meet the operational and environmental requirements that were fulfilled by the original M110 SASS.
In June, Captain Weston Goodrich, PEO Soldier’s assistant program manager for Soldier Weapons, said: “The Army’s current rifle technology is most effective below the 300-meter range; however, Soldiers are fully capable of fighting beyond that threshold”.
“The new rifle addresses the 300 to 600 meters range gap outlined in the 2015 U.S. Army Small Arms Capabilities-Based Assessment,” Goodrich said.
“The Army is working to equip each squad with a predetermined amount of marksman rifles,” he added. The rifle is capable of firing either M80A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds or XM1158 Advanced Armor Piercing Rounds.
The U.S. Army has initiated many changes to help modernize the service, bolster readiness, and increase lethality.