Ironman Machine Gun Ammo Carriage System/Assault Pack (Backpack) ‘Game Changer’ for Infantry Machine Gunners and Special Operations Forces (SOF): Is it Read for Battle, and How Does it Stack Up Against the TYR Tactical Huron MICO – Machine Gunners Assault Pack?

By David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com

Photo(s) Credit: David Kamm and 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, Iowa National Guard

October 24, 2016

For the last few years (since 2011), DefenseReview (DR) has been keeping an eye on the Ironman Machine Gun Ammo Carriage System/Assault Pack (Backpack) originally developed for the FN M240 7.62mm NATO (7.62x51mm NATO) MMG/GPMG (Medium Machine Gun/General Purpose Machine Gun) but we have yet to receive confirmation that the device/system is actually in service. Brought to you by the folks at Quick Reaction Cell of the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) and the US Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF), the Ironman backpack harkens back to Sergeant Blain Cooper’s backpack ammo carriage system for “Ol’ Painless” (Dillon Aero M134D Gatling Gun/Minigun) in the movie Predator (1987), and is also reminiscent of the TYR Tactical Huron MICO – Machine Gunners Assault Pack ammo carriage system backpack, respectively. We should note that the Huron MICO also holds 500 rounds, as well as an additional 75 rounds in the lightweight feed chute.

Anyway, DR’s curious as to whether or not the Ironman backpack is actually field ready, i.e., ready for battle yet, if it can be utilized with the U.S. Ordnance Mk43 Mod 1/M60E4 Commando and FN MK 48 MOD 1 machine guns, and how it actually compares mechanically and reliability/durability-wise versus the TYR Tactical Huron MICO. Also, what about 5.56mm NATO (5.56x45mm NATO)? Can the Ironman backpack ammo carriage system be used for the FN MK 46 MOD 1 5.56mm NATO LMG/SAW (Light Machine Gun/Squad Automatic Weapon)?

Defense Review has been waiting to report on the the Ironman ammo carriage system backpack until it’s actually field ready, but we feel that we’ve waited long enough. So, what’s the deal? Is it (field ready)? We certainly hope so. Anyway, we’ll try to find out and report back on it.

By the way, on a funny and ironic side note, earlier this year, Soldier Systems Daily (SSD) reported on a rather humorous and odd email message they received from the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force asking for pricing on the Ironman. Wow.

TYR Tactical Huron MICO – Machine Gunners Assault Pack Data (from company’s website):

“Huron™ MICO – Machine Gunners Assault Pack

Product Code: HRN-MICO

RESTRICTED: US Government Sales Only

NSN# 8465016295960

The Huron™ MICO (HRN-MICO) is a Light and Heavy Machine Gunners Assault Pack is outfitted with a custom lightweight feed chute, cover and weapons feed attachment. Holds 500 rounds, an additional 75 rounds in the feed chute. The main body pack is equipped with adjustable waist belt and shoulder straps. The weapons sling attaches to the MICO frame to enable ease and mobility.

THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR TEST AND EVALUATION

Features:
• 7.62 or 5.56 Caliber (Adapter Sold Separately)
• Light and Heavy Machine Gunners Assault Pack
• Main body pack with adjustable waist belt
• Custom lightweight feed chute and cover
• Weapons feed attachment [Weapons Adapter is not included] • Wt: 16 lbs. 3 oz. without ammunition
• Attachments available for Mark 46, Mark 48, M240, M249″

Company Contact Info:

U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC)

General Inquiries

508-233-4184, DSN 256-4184
usarmy.natick.nsrdec.mbx.nati-amsrd-nsc-ad-b@mail.mil
Office of Research & Technology Applications

508-233-4184 or 508-233-4488
usarmy.natick.rdecom-nsrdec.mbx.nati-amsrd-nsc-ad-b@mail.mil
Office of the Small Business Advocate

508-233-4367
usarmy.natick.nsrdec.mbx.nati-amsrd-nsc-ad-b@mail.mil
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

508-233-5372
usarmy.natick.nsrdec.mbx.nati-amsrd-nsc-ad-b@mail.mil
Public Affairs Office

508-233-6938, DSN 256-6938
usarmy.natick.nsrdec.mbx.nsrdec-public-affairs@mail.mil
STEM Program Lead

508-233-6924 or 508-233-5436
usarmy.natick.nsrdec.mbx.nati-stem@mail.mil

TYR Tactical™ Headquarters
16661 N. 84th Ave. #110, Peoria, AZ 85382
Map & Directions
Call Toll Free: (US Only) 1-888-602-7667
FAX: 888-858-5343
International: (All other countries) 1-623-240-1400
FAX: 1-623-240-1428
Email: info@tyrtactical.com

TYR Tactical™ Southern Pines

565 Air Tool Dr., Unit A & B, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Map & Directions
For order status please call: 1-623-240-1400
Phone: 1-910-733-1760
Email: sopo@tyrtactical.com

TYR Tactical Canada™

10 Hearst Way Unit E, Kanata, ON K2L 2P4
Map & Directions
For order status please call: 1-623-240-1400
Phone: 1-613-591-8666
Email: troy@tyrtactical.com

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