OFT MCIWS

History

MCIWS ("Multi-Caliber Individual Weapon System") is an Indian military assault rifle under development, the design of which is directed by the Weapons Research and Development Agency and manufactured by Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli (OFT), India. The product has been in development since 2012 and is intended to be the successor to the Indian Army's in-service INSAS Infantry Assault Rifle (described in detail elsewhere on this site) - both represent developments in India and reflect the greater display of the country's Big Wish is more localized and independent in military requirements.

The MCIWS is an infantry grade modular automatic firearm that supports the following cartridges, depending on the ammo: 5. 56x45 NATO, 7. 62x39mm and 6. 8 Remington SPC. The 5.56mm is the ubiquitous medium rifle cartridge favored by the West, while the 7.62x39mm is Soviet-era and efficient at long distances. In either case, the rifle is fired via the pneumatic (short-stroke) rotating bolt system common to many assault rifles past and present.

The rate of fire is 600 to 650 rounds per minute, while the muzzle velocity of the fired bullet reaches 2,920 feet per second. The effective range is up to 500 meters.

The weapon is designed to be quickly converted to the different calibers available in the field. In addition, the weapon can be reconfigured for left- and right-handed shooters as needed, primarily consisting of a side-to-side moving through-loading handle and magazine release.

The Ultra Receiver section of the Picatinny rail can support a variety of aftermarket optics as well as tactical products. Under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs) are also supported in the form of production quality, a flexibility that could make MCIWS an extremely attractive export product for Indian allies looking to upgrade to more modern infantry solutions.

The weapon is fed by a regular, spring-loaded, clear, detachable 30-round magazine. More traditionally, it is inserted into the feeder placed in front of the trip unit. The overall layout of the firearm is very traditional, with rear stock, covered front end and exposed barrel/muzzle. The sheathed front end supports the foregrip for better sustained shooting accuracy.

In addition to optional optics mounted above the receiver, the weapon can be aimed via a traditional iron assembly.

Externally, the Indian MCIWS shares some visual similarities with the American M16 and Belgian FN FNC assault rifles, with additional influences from the Soviet/Russian Kalashnikov family of assault rifles. The Indian military has a long history of using the M16 and AK47 types.

Testing of the MCIWS prototype took place at the end of 2012.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes