Defense Systems/Products/Shoulder-fired Weapons/Objective Individual Combat Weapon Program (OICW)

Objective Individual
Combat Weapon
Program

Enhanced capability for the 21st century warfighter

The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) provides an enhanced capability for the 21st century infantryman, with the potential to selectively replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, and M4 carbine. Program guidelines were derived from the Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) and Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP).

OICW-ATD is managed by JSSAP and will provide superior firepower to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Key Program Capabilities

500 percent increase in probability of incapacitation
New soldier capability to defeat targets in defilade
Effective range to 1,000 meters
Day/night fire control; wireless weapon interface
Substantial weight reduction
Ergonomic design

Technology Advancements

Weapon recoil mitigation
Fuzing miniaturization and accuracy
Warhead performance and packaging
Target acquisition and man in the loop
Laser ranging accuracy at extended ranges
Extensive composite use

Weapon Operation
The fire control system (FCS), using a laser range finder, pinpoints the precise target range at which the HE round will burst and relays this information to the 20mm ammunition fuzing system. Fragments from the bursting munition will defeat PASGT armor. The sighting system provides full 24-hour capability by employing uncooled IR sensor technology for night vision.

System Features

Combination 5.56mm and 20mm HE
Single trigger control for both barrels
Ambidextrous weapon and switches
Simple red dot day/night sighting system
Laser adjustment for targets in buildings and in defilade
Unique recoil mitigation and tactical operational awareness

OICW-ATD Program Schedule

Phase 1: Study complete 12/94.

Phase 2: System design and subsystem demonstration complete 2/96.

Phase 3: Prototype system demonstration in fall1997/Jan 98.

Phase 4/5: Hardware build/live-fire simulation begins 4/98.

Fielding of first unit equipped in 2005.

World-Class Team for the Joint Services
For the Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP)/ Armament, Research, Development, and Engineering Center's (ARDEC) OICW-ATD program, Alliant Techsystems has formed a strong U.S. and international team, with combined revenues of over $3 billion. Team members were chosen because their core businesses focus on the technologies required for successful fielding of the OICW.

System Integration and HE Bursting Munition
The prime contractor, Alliant Techsystems, Hopkins, Minn., is responsible for total weapon system integration, testing, engineering, and prototype demonstration. This includes integrating the HE warhead and fuzing mechanism to ensure that OICW performance and projectile accuracy objectives are achieved.

Fire Control System
Contraves Brashear Systems Inc., of Pittsburgh, Penn., is responsible for development of the FCS. The company has a worldwide reputation as a designer, producer, and supplier of highly technical integrated electro-optical systems.

Weapon
Heckler and Koch (HK) GmbH and HK Inc., Sterling, Va., have extensive weapon design, manufacturing, and customer service fielding experience. Developing high-quality, lightweight, and superior weapons is an HK "no compromise" tradition.

KE Ammunition
Dynamit Nobel AG (DNAG) is responsible for the 5.56mm product development. The company leads the industry in environmentally safe, caseless, and combustible-cased small arms ammunition and also supports HE propulsion efforts.

Both HK GmbH and DNAG are planning to establish or license a U.S. base of supply to ensure an onshore manufacturing capability.

Each of our four companies ranks among the leaders in the world for its products. In addition, each company has extensive experience in system management and support to U.S. government and NATO programs.