The SOF Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) Reaches Final Milestone

[SgtStrykerUSMC43]

(McLean, VA) —FNH USA, LLC received notification from the USSOCOM Program Executive Office—SOF Warrior (PEO—SW) that the SCAR Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) was approved and signed on April 14, 2010, moving this FN Herstal (FN) program into the Milestone C phase. This decision authorizes the production and deployment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) MK 16 and MK 17, as well as the Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM) MK 13.

Following a worldwide solicitation to the military firearms industry, nine vendors submitted a dozen different designs for a new modular, multi-caliber weapons system. The FN SCAR submission was the only weapons system to pass all of the Go/No-Go criteria and was unanimously chosen in November 2004 by the selection board composed of senior operators from every SOF component. The SCAR is the first new assault rifle procured by the U.S. Military through a full and open competition since the M16 trials were held in the mid-1960s. Tests in reliability, accuracy, safety and ergonomics were administered from August 2005 to September 2008 and were conducted in a variety of environments including urban, maritime, jungle and winter/mountain operational test scenarios. The SCAR weapons system successfully endured more than two million rounds of ammunition during these trials, therein making it one of the most heavily tested weapons in the history of small arms.

“The SCAR is one of the most tested small arms in our military’s history and is currently being employed in the fight to defend freedom,” said United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Products of excellence, like the SCAR, represent the continuation of a long and proud tradition of defense manufacturing in South Carolina. I look forward to the continued use of this weapons system.”

The FN SCAR system consists of two highly adaptable modular rifle platforms and a grenade launcher. Type-designated as the MK 16 MOD 0 5.56mm Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle and the MK 17 MOD 0 7.62mm Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle, both weapons are available with three different barrel lengths optimized for conducting operations in close-quarters combat, standard infantry and longer-range precision fire roles. All SCAR barrels can be easily interchanged by the operator in just minutes to instantly meet the requirements of virtually any mission. The MK 13 MOD 0 40mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM) quickly mounts under the barrel of either SCAR platform, providing additional capability to the individual warfighter’s firepower, and can be easily configured for use as a stand-alone weapon as well. Because of the SCAR system’s modular design, ergonomic commonality (100%) and parts commonality (greater than 80%), it represents a significant reduction in training costs and life-cycle support. The weapon system’s open architecture is designed to support future advancements in operational requirements including ammunition, aiming devices, sighting systems and other mission critical equipment.

“The SCAR weapons system is a major USSOCOM program whose success is a direct result of the effort, commitment and teamwork provided by FN and the U.S. Government. We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with such a strong team in achieving the Milestone C decision,” said Mark Cherpes, Vice President of Military Operations for FNH USA. “This milestone signifies that our products are operationally effective and suitable for mass fielding. We believe that the SCAR is the most flexible, reliable and cost-effective small arms weapons system ever offered to America’s servicemen and women, and that it will give them a significant operational advantage in both present and future conflicts.”

FN firearms manufactured in the United States are produced by FN Manufacturing in Columbia, SC. The Herstal Group is represented by FNH USA, FN Manufacturing and Browning within the United States and directly employs more than 1,000 individuals. U.S. operations are located in Virginia, South Carolina, Utah and Missouri. FNH USA is the sales and marketing arm of FN. Its corporate mission is to expand the company’s global leadership position in defense, law enforcement and commercial markets by delivering superior products and the finest in training and logistical support. For more information, or to view the entire line of FN products, visit www.fnhusa.com. FNH USA, LLC, P.O. Box 697, McLean, VA 22101 USA.

[SONYtec]

[djv38]

So much for those who said it was going to be dropped


Good job FN

[joshua79109]

Exciting - I'll pass this around

[Clyde]

Sgt. Stryker called it -- "take notice"! The SCAR keeps making history!

It is absolutely great that our soldiers will be using these weapons and the related grenade launcher platform. Our warfighters deserve the best we can supply them with. Great to see that our military leaders are listening to the guys on the ground and up in the mountains!

[SgtStrykerUSMC43]

I'll go out on a limb here, and say that in the near future we will see SCAR rifles dominate the matches at NRA sanctioned shoots such as Camp Perry. :P

I can see two-stage trigger groups along with a plethora of barrel choices from stubby (that everybody is clammering for) all the way up to 22" stainless heavy contours. Match grade micrometer sights and so on.

The SCAR is here to stay. Say goodbye to the AR platform, as she has served her country well.



PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

[Thermallator]

I am so saddened by the fact that the macabre Masada or whatever they call that pile of dung is never going to see military service and die a horrible death the way of Robinson.

Oh - the horror, the horror, the horror .....

-TH

[SONYtec]

It is called the ACR.

My acronym for it is... Another Crap Rifle.

[djv38]

It is called the ACR.

My acronym for it is... Another Crap Rifle.

Nice +1

[ick]

Someone asked me "what does SCAR stand for" and I couldn't remember. Now I come here and see it stands for:

SOF Combat Assault Rifle

Well, what the heck is SOF? You .mil types and your lettering are whack! Only in the government can an acronym INCLUDE another acronym.