ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PRACTICES WILL ENHANCE SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS

Small arms include pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns. Light weapons, which are less than 100 mm in caliber and intended for use by a crew of two or more people, include heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars, anti-aircraft guns, and anti-tank guns.

Technological Advancements in SALW

A critical Development that has impressed so many end users is the development of fiber-based firearms. This technique was first used in weapons a few years ago. Carbon fiber is used to wrap and cover gun barrels in this process. Carbon fiber is useful and helpful; it is strong and portable. The feature also aids in effectively removing heat from the firearms.

Concept ideas and models were intended to be created using 3D printers. These printers make it simple to print and assemble sound firearm designs. They can do this because 3D-printed firearms are reliable and accurate. In a joint effort with the U.S. Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, the Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) created the RAMBO (Rapid Additively Manufactured Ballistics Ordnance) grenade launcher. The US Army is also taking steps to 3D-print the launcher’s ammunition. A typical 40-mm M781 training round was 3D printed by experts working at two RDECOM research and development facilities. One of the best weapons for the infantry is the grenade. These are discharged by shoulder-fired weapons like UBGL fitted on rifles or stand-alone guns like the Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL). They significantly increase the soldier’s firepower by producing a variety of effects at the target end.

Coatings with multiple functions have been created. To improve the performance of small arms, coatings like Nickel-Boron, Nickel-Boron Nitride, Nickel PTFE, Molycoat, etc., are used on the components. A manufacturing method called metal injection molding (MIM) involves combining the fine metal powder with a unique binder and injecting the mixture into a die to create the desired shape. To create a high-strength metal component, the binder is eventually removed from the part. The most effective method for mass-producing small, complicated components with exceptionally high accuracy is the MIM manufacturing technology, which has a very high acceptance rate. The MIM procedure minimizes or does away with machining operations. Large-scale series production is made possible by injection molding machines that are fully automatic and allow for tools with many cavities. These coatings have a low coefficient of friction, good adhesion, and are robust (similar to chromium coating). Recently, a unique nitriding procedure for rifle barrels and small fire guns was developed.

Modular firearms are being used by firearm manufacturers to profit from the customizing of their goods. In essence, specific elements of modern weaponry can be changed to fulfill different purposes, depending on what you want to use it for.

A built-in computerized AI-powered system that communicates with the rifle’s Electro-Optical (EO) sight, a helmet-mounted eyepiece, and the rifle’s components provide soldiers with real-time intuitive battle information that they may use to take appropriate action. Assault weapons are transformed into computerized, networked combat machines, enabling dismounted soldiers to be more lethal, effective on missions, and able to survive day and night. The forward grip of the assault rifle has been integrated with an AI-powered computer that runs cutting-edge software and a variety of applications. Data is captured from the soldier’s area of view and processed by the little computer unit.

2nd generation mortar shells were created using contemporary techniques. These include the application of advanced shell body manufacturing technology, which allows for the formation of numerous fragments, in the production of the shell body; this technology, along with the TNT/RDX explosive charge, provides the best efficiency at target. Optimized aerodynamic shape securing external ballistic characteristics, accuracy, and precision at all ranges. The range, accuracy, and terminal efficiency of the new generation’s shells have all been significantly improved while still matching the high shell weights of the previous generation.

The Future

For the system to survive and win the fight in the current environment of omnidirectional, interdisciplinary threats and dwindling response times, intelligence is now a need. The system’s intelligence necessitates the use of sophisticated logic at the interface with other systems without sacrificing any of the gun’s specifications. The development of modern technologies to improve the performance of weapon systems in terms of accuracy, consistency, range (stand-off), lethality, and portability, however, is where the majority of efforts and resources are focused. Additionally, cost-effective and remote controllable smart weapons are being developed. Future battlegrounds will be controlled by technical developments, hence winning will depend on having more advanced technology (i.e., systems with higher levels of intelligence) than the enemy.

Autonomous systems’ growth and changing capabilities are directly related to developments in AI. Target recognition in precision warheads is just one example of how AI is already used to improve the performance of various existing weapon systems. AI can also be used to support humans in human-machine teaming situations, including as decision-making tools, or as a decision-making engine on its own.