Army reveals that the XM25 has been in combat already

[Ionatan]

That looks like a bit of an improvement over the original OICW prototypes, but I still think the weapon, while sporting impressive capabilities, seems a bit unwieldy to me. Personally, I wouldn't want to haul that in the field.

[k9870]

I think its more a weapon theyd carry in their vehicle and deploy if needed, not just haul around all day.

[Nyles]

I wouldn't want to carry it around either, but it's really not any heavier than an LMG and a pretty significant advantage if it really does what it says on the box.

[Ionatan]

Originally Posted by Nyles

I wouldn't want to carry it around either, but it's really not any heavier than an LMG and a pretty significant advantage if it really does what it says on the box.

I was referring less to its weight and more to its ergonomics. It may weigh the same (or is only slightly heavier) than an M249, but, to me, it looks about as comfortable to shoot as a rifle mounted inside a suitcase. Granted, I could be wrong. I've never held it and likely never will. I'm just saying it looks like an impressive... but awkward... weapon.

[Excalibur]

Would be awesome if they can miniaturize this thing into near the size of an M203 so it can be mounted on a rifle, because a man who gets to hold the XM-25 might not be able to carry a rifle.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by Excalibur

Would be awesome if they can miniaturize this thing into near the size of an M203 so it can be mounted on a rifle, because a man who gets to hold the XM-25 might not be able to carry a rifle.

Sadly, that's not on the horizon anytime soon. The OICW already failed to do this, but even a decade later, the tech isn't compact enough yet.

My big problems are these:

(1.) The XM25 is technically complex, which means more difficult to maintain in the field (most likely).

(2.) It's still friggin' expensive ($35K per unit). Even with the reduced costs of placing a bulk order, there's no way the Army is going to be able to issue these to every combat unit in Afghanistan.

[Excalibur]

If the technology in this thing can withstand being shook around, bang around and near explosions.

[Nyles]

Oh, I'm not saying that this is the greatest thing since sliced bread and that they should be made general-issue yesterday, I'm just saying that I think it has potential. Believe me, a Carl Gustav is also a sonofabitch to lug around, but when it's necessary, someone does it, and they also carry a rifle or carbine.

I think a very relevant question about this weapons system is whether it will penetrate an Afghan mud wall. Based on my experiences over there, I am VERY skeptical of that. That said, if it can be effectively fired OVER the wall and still inflict casualties, then I can think of dozens of instances where it would have very quickly ended firefights that ended up lasting several hours.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by k9870

I think its more a weapon theyd carry in their vehicle and deploy if needed, not just haul around all day.

It's apparently being used by SF units. How often do SF use vehicles? Those guys do 12-mile runs with over 100 pounds of gear just to pass selection. So I imagine they'd have to lug around their XM25s. Though I would also guess that they'd give them to guys at the remote outposts overlooking hostile territory.

Originally Posted by Nyles

I wouldn't want to carry it around either, but it's really not any heavier than an LMG and a pretty significant advantage if it really does what it says on the box.

...which is what remains to be seen. And being skeptical of the manufacturer's claims is always a healthy mindset.

But the fact that the Army has enough confidence to start putting XM25s in the field is significant. That's a lot farther than the OICW and XM8 ever got. Also, they're already talking about issuing them to regular infantry and Airborne units, not just SF, in the next year (though we can't be sure they're serious yet).

[AdAstra2009]

Originally Posted by MT2008

That's a lot farther than the OICW and XM8 ever got.

The XM8 was actually fielded in very limited numbers in Iraq from what I've read.




This guy's dead BTW.