XM29 OICW
Summary
| Country | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Technical specifications
| XM29 OICW | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 700 - 800 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN + 20 x 85 mm |
| Magazine | 30 + 6 rounds |
| Length | 890 mm (35.0 in) |
| Weight | 5.5 kg (12.1 lb) |
| Range | 1000 m (3281 ft) |
Description
The XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon was a series of prototype firearms developed in the 1990s as part of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon program, sometimes referred to as SABR (Selectable Assault Battle Rifle). The program was canceled in 2004 due to various challenges and split into three related programs: OICW Increment One for light kinetic energy weapons, OICW Increment Two for a standalone airburst grenade launcher, and OICW Increment Three for re-integrating the components. The OICW program is described as no longer under development.
The most commonly observed version of the XM29 was developed by Alliant Techsystems with Heckler & Koch. This prototype featured a semi-automatic 20×28mm smart grenade launcher and an underslung 5.56×45mm NATO assault carbine derived from the HK G36 design. It also included a top-mounted, computer-assisted sighting system with:
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A laser rangefinder
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Thermal vision
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Night vision capabilities
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Up to 6× optical magnification
Earlier iterations reportedly used different configurations. The 20 mm launcher component presented a classification challenge, exhibiting traits of a light semi-automatic cannon, grenade launcher, and airburst weapon. Problems identified included weight, bulk, and the effectiveness of the 20×28 mm round. Upon cancellation, the XM29 program was formally split into Increment One, Increment Two, and Increment Three programs, intended to address aspects of the system individually or as an integrated system.