XM29 OICW

Overview

The most commonly seen version of the XM29 was developed by Alliant Techsystems, with Heckler & Koch as a major subcontractor. It consisted of a semi-automatic 20×28mm smart grenade launcher, an underslung kinetic energy assault carbine derived from the then-late developmental stage HK G36 and firing standard 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition, and a top-mounted computer-assisted sighting system. This sighting system integrated a laser rangefinder, thermal and night vision capabilities, and up to 6× optical telescopic sight. Earlier designs used different configurations and setups.

The launcher component has been described variously as a light semi-automatic 20 mm cannon, a grenade launcher, or an airburst weapon, posing a classification problem as it does not fit neatly into any single category. It uses much smaller shells with a flatter trajectory than typical grenade launchers, yet its caliber and velocity are more similar to light cannon while sharing traits with infantry grenade launchers. The program faced problems including weight, bulk, and lack of effectiveness of the 20×28 mm airburst round, leading to its cancellation in 2004.

It was then split into three related programs: OICW Increment One for light kinetic energy weapons, OICW Increment Two for the airburst grenade launcher as a standalone component, and OICW Increment Three to re-integrate the two components. The XM8 was developed to meet Increment One requirements, but instead a new program called Lightweight Small Arms Technologies (LSAT) was begun. The XM25 25×40mm airburst launcher began development for Increment Two.

Increment Three will not be initiated until after One and Two are completed. The OICW Increment One Request for Proposals was cancelled in October 2005, while development of the 25×40mm XM25 continued, along with the 25×59mm OCSW program until its termination. It is not clear if LSAT is intended to meet the goals of OICW Increment One or if it is a standalone weapon system. For all intents and purposes, the OICW program is no longer under development.