Brian Ross (bxr307@coombs.anu.oz) (12/01/89)
From: Brian Ross (bxr307@coombs.anu.oz)
In one of the latest issues of International Defence Review
(8/1989) there is an article devoted to the lethality of the ammunition
for the new US Army ACR (Advanced Combat Rifle). For those of
you, who like me are a little squeamish when it comes to such
things I won't repeat what I read there (I'm still trying to get
over it. :-)). Suffice to say that the author came down against
the flechette due to inadequate "wound causing ability" due to
their very high velocity. I will quote though, from the summary
which has several very good points about military programs in
general and in particular the ACR program.
"The wounding of the H&K candidate is the most difficult to
forecast [due to the three round burst capability]. The estimates
for the flechette-based candidates are made with a far higher
degree of confidence. In fact, this author would predict their
inadequacy as a near certainty.
Would not a more logical sequence than the one followed in
the ACR program be to begin by developing a projectile to produce
the type of wound needed, rather than considering the effect on
the body as an afterthought, or ignoring it altogether?
Considerable funds could then be saved by testing such elements
as hit probabilities and mechanical functioning only with the
candidates that stood some chance of doing what the infantry
rifle is intended for: incapacitating the enemy combatant."
That would of course be too sensible for a bureaucrat, now
wouldn't it? :-)
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|
Brian Ross |Snail Mail:-
"Bill Bracket the self-made man who came|
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----------------------------------------| Sociology Dept.R.S.S.S.
E-Mail Addresses:- bxr307@coombs.anu.oz | Australian National University
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