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General Dynamics XM307 (ACSW) Advanced Crew-Served Weapon

2004 MODERN

History

The XM307 was born out of the now discontinued Advanced Crew Service Weapon (ACSW) program as part of the U.S. Tank Vehicles and Arms Command (TACOM) Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) program. This work aims to produce a modular single-weapon solution capable of replacing the venerable Browning M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun and Saco Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher with one design.

The XM307 is designed to be a portable system that can be deployed by class units or, with minor modifications, attached to land vehicles, boats or gunners. Although the product was promising, it was eventually abandoned when it was discontinued in 2007.

The original XM307 program, which fell to General Dynamics Armaments and Technical Products, included a complete system centered on a 25mm grenade launcher assembly that could be converted into a .50 caliber in minutes Heavy Machine Gun System (becoming the equally unfortunate "XM312" product described elsewhere on this site as needed). This enables riflemen to assess battlefield needs and modify their weapons accordingly, using the XM307 for offense or defense as needed.

Done Finally, the XM307 weighs 80 pounds and has an overall length of 52 inches.

The grenade-launched version of the weapon is available for 25x39mm impact or time-delay shells, in HE (High Explosive) or HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-Tank) flavors. A special AP (Armor Piercing Projectile) is also available as "TP".

The practice rounds will be designated "TP-S" and painted the traditional blue. The shock form allows the crew to engage lightly armored vehicles, buildings and enemy personnel, while the time-delay function allows for airburst detonation, helping to clear enemy elements from cover.

The XM307 utilizes a rotating bolt action gas system similar to today's modern assault rifles. Ammunition is fed from a detachable 31-round drum, which is usually mounted on the side of the receiver.

On the surface, the XM307 mimics a large-caliber machine gun. The receiver is wrapped in a futuristic hardware that includes the inner working parts as well as the front end and base of the barrel. A carry handle is mounted above the receiver and placed on the right side, making it easier to transport. The grip (complete with trigger) is attached to the rear of the receiver in a conventional manner.

The barrel protrudes a short distance from the fuselage hood, which is covered with a large perforated muzzle brake. The optics were mounted above the grip on the rear of the receiver, although it was removed for machine gun functionality.

The entire weapon element is placed on an adjustable tripod with two rear and one front legs. A typical operator consists of two people - the gunner and the ammunition handler.

One of the main technical qualities of the system is its delayed recoil system, which allows the weapon to be placed only on the tripod provided, rather than on heavy permanent mounts. The launcher is aimed via a digital day/night seeker for accurate fire from a distance. The rate of fire was specified at 250 rounds per minute, with an effective range of up to 2,180 yards, although testing of a usable prototype soon found that the lower rate of fire was unacceptable to U.S.

Army authorities. Depending on conditions, the weapon can reach a wider target area, up to nearly 4,000 yards. This allows the XM307 to be used for direct and indirect fire against enemy positions as needed.

During the development of the XM307, a remotely operated version of the weapon, the "Remotely Operated Variant" ("ROV") was also considered. This variant will be developed for long-range firing within the safe confines of armored vehicles, primarily the proposed new line of U.S. military armor, known by the generic program name "Future Combat Systems." However, this move also failed due to the discontinuation of the XM307 product and the discontinuation of the FCS program itself in 2009.