by David Crane david@defensereview.com DefenseReview first reported on the M16 Clinic AR-15/M16/M4/M4A1-platform 5.56x45mm subcarbine/SBR (Short-Barreled Rifle) weapons packages back in December, 2004. That first article discussed the select-fire/full-auto,  SOPMOD M4 CQBR (Close Quarters Battle Receiver)-style M16 Viper and M16 Viper-XRP (eXtra-Range/Perimeter) 5.56mm subcarbines/SBRs, which are built specifically for military Special Operations applications, including anti-terrorism/counterterrorism operations. These weapons would appear to …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com DefenseReview recently received an updated fact sheet on the AAE Stealth Technology System (STS). The new document focuses on an updated/upgraded version of STS called "Stealth II", which can protect helicopters and ground vehicles from heat-seeking missiles, artillary, and personnel with night vision viewers. AAE claims that Stealth II accomplishes this by cloaking/camuflaging helicopter and ground …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Some folks at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), a.k.a. NAVAIR Weapons Division (China Lake, CA), are currently developing a "man-packable, shoulder-launched guided missile" system for U.S. infantry warfighters called SPIKE. The developmental system is essentially a low-cost, compact, and lightweight man-portable shoulder-fired fire-and-forget missile system that incorporates three separate guidance modes–inertial, laser, and imaging …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. recently introduced a new semi-auto bullpup .50 BMG anti-materiel/sniper rifle at NDIA Small Arms Symposium 2006. We’ve been told by an outside source that the new rifle is called the XM500 (or XM-500), but we don’t have confirmation on this designation, yet. The only info we have on the new .50 Cal. …

by David Crane david at defensereview.com DefenseReview has a little snack-size treat for all of the fans (like us) of the Auto Assault-12 Full-Auto Shotgun (AA-12 Shotgun).  It’s a photo of the weapon system and 20-shot drum mag (magazine). Both are outfitted with urban camouflage (urban camo) finish. The Grip Pod System vertical foregrip/bipod and Surefire M900-series vertical foregrip/tactical white light, both in dark earth finish, are also …

The following content was provided to DefenseReview by Defense Update, which is a Defense Review content partner. The article has been slightly modified from its original form, and additional links and information have been provided (below): In Eurosatory 2006, Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) is unveiling its new Active Defense System (ADS) called – Iron Fist. Until recently, the development of Iron …

by David Crane david at defensereview.com This article has been updated with digital photos (JPEG format), as well as a link to the KAC CQB PDW fact sheet/spec sheet.  Click on the photos below to view them full-size.   Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) has just (formally) introduced a 6x35mm PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) with AR-15/M16 controls for the Mil/LE market (tentatively) called the …

by David Crane david at defensereview.com Back in March, DefenseReview reported on the Stealth Technology System (STS) being developed at Advanced American Enterprise (AAE) in our article titled Is Cloaking Technology for U.S. Infantry Warfighters Finally Possible? STS utilizes a form of electro-optical camouflage (referred to also as optical camouflage, adaptive camouflage, active camouflage, chameleonic camouflage, and cloaking technology). Advanced …

Warning: This article contains graphic images of animial necropsies being conducted after live animal tests (ballistic tests) were performed with Le Mas BMT ammunition.  "BMT" stands for "Blended Metal Technology", which is a trademark, not a description of bullet composition.  Click on photos (below) to view them full-size.  The following is a DefenseReview exclusive: The study of wound ballistics is based on …

by David Crane david at defensereview.com Back in November, 2005, DefenseReview published a press release on the Cougar Joint Explosive Ordnance Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) and Buffalo Mine Clearance Vehicle made by Force Protection, Inc. (a.k.a. Force Protection Industries, Inc.). We’ve been hearing good things about the performance of these armored vehicles in the Sandbox (theater of operations), and recently …