DefRev has obtained the original "white paper" proposal that was submitted to the U.S. Army for the Stavatti TIS-1 (Tactical Infantry System-1) Gasdynamic Laser Weapon. The TIS-1 is a laser rifle that utilizes a hypersonic jet of gas to create photonic energy in the form a very powerful laser. Thus the term "gasdynamic". The Stavatti TIS-1 was submitted as a …

DefRev just found this company on the web. Stavatti is an Aerospace Defense Prime Contractor that "is engaged in the design, qualification, production, distribution, service and total system support of new and original: fighters, sportplanes, tactical and strategic reconnaissance platforms, high performance corporate transports, heavy-lift theater transports, bombers, strike aircraft, launch vehicles and additional advanced aerospace vehicles." Apparently, they make …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. has just come out with their 25mm "Payload Rifle". The new Payload Rifle is basically a modified Barrett M82A1 Light .50 antimateriel rifle. The new offering utilizes a replacement upper receiver with a shorter barrel (17.5 inches) mounted on a slightly modified M82A1 lower receiver. The 25x59Bmm round the Payload Rifle fires …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Just about everyone and their mother is making AR-15’s/M16’s these days, at least it seems like it, anyway. After all, it is one of the two most popular infantry rifle platforms on the planet, and no other rifle in the world can compete with the AR-15’s/M16’s upgradable nature, in terms of accessories and add-ons. One company …

By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com October 5, 2002 I don’t know about the rest of you, but there’s just something about a 7.62x39mm caliber Mini-AK the size of a subgun that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Who cares that it’s semi-auto only? Who cares that it doesn’t have a shoulder stock? It’s small, …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com The following article was written and published in June, 2002. It’s no secret that the performance of both the M4 Carbine and it’s 5.56x45mm caliber have, so far, been somewhat less than outstanding in the war against Al-Queda forces in Afghanistan. In short, the enemy hasn’t been dropping quickly enough when they are hit. Apparently, the …

The Sako M95, standard rifle of the Finnish armed forces, might just be the best assault rifle in the world(besides the Russian AN-94, AK-107, and AK-108, which are all not yet really in production). Available in both 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm, the M95 is basically an updated Kalashnikov, or rather, a Kalashnikov taken to its ultimate conclusion. Preceded by the M90 …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Pete Kokalis has written an article in the latest issue of SAR(Small Arms Review) on a new rifle that’s designed to be sort of a quick-fix for the Colt M4 carbine. Anyone intimately familiar with the M4 carbine knows that it has some serious problems. These include reliability problems which involve gas system blow-outs, barrels wearing …

SIG seems to have a little winner with their 552 Commando(the rifle’s full numeric designation is actually 552-2P). Just like all the other mini-assault rifles out there, the SIG 552 is designed for use in tight spots by special operators and air crew members. *Click on "Read More" below for the rest of the story.* What separates the SIG 552 …

Everyone who knows anything about optical sights, knows the name C-MORE. However, I went to C-MORE’s booth at TREXPO East for one reason, and one reaon only, to view and handle something I had only seen in pictures up to this point. It’s called LSS, and it’s one of the coolest little "accessory" products I’ve seen in awhile. LSS stands …