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Future Developments

Another imminent developments is the SDA program. The Soldier Digital Assistant (SDA) consists of a palmtop computer with a touch-operated screen. The software will include the Global Positioning System(GPS), which employs satellites to determine the user's own position very accurately on digital map of the area in which he is operating. Many other positions, such as those of platoon member and vehicles, can also be shown on the screen.

Steyr ACR

Although the Steyr AUG rifle already looks futuristic in comparison to other models, the company nevertheless wanted to develop a special weapon for the ACR program. On the Steyr ACR, a steel arrow cartridge was also opted for, but in a composite cartridge case. The rifle has a scope with two positions: 1.5:1 for close range and 3.5:1 for distance. The ACRs are still at the research stage and no decision is expected before the year 2000. it is evident, however, that other NATO countries will not stay behind if the US armed forces decide to purchase the ACR.

Heckler & Koch ACR

The ACR, made by Heckler & Koch, of Germany, is derived from an earlier design, the G11.
The cartridge is caseless. This means that the bullet is packed in a solid compressed block of nitrocellulose. This cartidge is devired from the G11 : 4.7 mm. The Americans use the caliber designation 4.92 mm, but this is purely a question of measurement : 4.7 mm is the outside diameter of the bullet and 4.92 mm is the diameter between the grooves in the bore. An interesting feature is that the scope has two different positions : 1:1 for close range and 3:5:1 for range of up to 300 meters (984 ft).

Colt ACR

The Colt ACR (Advanced Combat Rifle) is derived from the Colt M16 models. It is gas-operated and also has a rotating bolt head. In spite of the modern trend toward 3-round bursts, the Colt shoots semi-and fully automatically, though this could change.

The ammunition selected by Colt is the .223 Remington standard caliber, but with a duplex bullet. This means that not one, but two bullets are located in the cartridge case. Every target struck thus takes two hits. The rifle is fitted as standard with the well-kwon Elcan 3:5:1 Scope.

AAI ACR

The ACR, made by the American AAI Corporation, bears the closest resemblance to the present M16 rifle. It is gas-operated and shoots a spesial steel arrow projectile in a.223 Remington caliber cartidge. The rifle is fitted with both the standard sighting devices and an optical 4:1 Arsmon scope.

Developments

Austrian armaments maker Styer heralded a new era with modern weapon concept in 1975 when they introduced the Styer Armee Universal Gewehr (AUG). In 1977, this weapon was introduced as the Austrian army's standart weapon. The futuristic AUG, in 5,56 x 45 mm NATO(.223 Rem.) caliber, is largely made of synthetic material. Besides the rifle version, this modular firearm can also be fitted out as sub-macine-gun and light machine gun. In addition to the Austrian armed force those of Austrian, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia also use this Weapon.