Videos tagged with Military Prototype

The Steyr ACR was a 1990s bullpup rifle developed for a US military program, notable for its polymer construction and unique flechette ammunition. Firing needle-like projectiles at an extreme 4,800 fps, it featured an open-bolt action and a distinctive ring primer for reliable ignition. While innovative, it represented a departure from conventional firearm design.

This video examines the AK fm/54, a Swedish prototype paratrooper rifle developed in the mid-1950s. It features a folding stock adapted from a Carl Gustaf m/45 submachine gun and a unique 20-round magazine chambered in 7.62 NATO. The design incorporated a short-stroke gas piston system, a departure from the original Ljungman's direct impingement. Ultimately, the Swedish military rejected this prototype in favor of the G3 (AK4).

The Erma EMP36 is a rare precursor to the MP38/MP40, showcasing early design elements like an underfolding stock and muzzle hook. Its complex bolt assembly and telescopic mainspring highlight its prototype nature, with many features later simplified for mass production. Only two examples are known to exist, making it a critical piece of firearms history.

The Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program introduces the 6.8mm Case Telescoped (CT) ammunition, a significant advancement over traditional brass cartridges. This new ammunition offers superior lethality and barrier penetration compared to 5.56mm, with Textron Systems developing both Battle Rifle and Automatic Rifle variants. The system prioritizes soldier ergonomics and weight reduction, aiming to replace the M249 SAW with a lighter, more effective automatic rifle.

This video explores an experimental Thompson SMG chambered in .30 Carbine, a prototype developed by Auto-Ordnance as a backup to their light rifle submission. Despite its familiar appearance, the receiver and magazine were modified for the .30 Carbine round. The prototype ultimately failed military trials due to excessive weight, exceeding the 5-pound requirement by a significant margin.

The Sedgley Glove Gun was a highly unusual, single-shot .38 S&W pistol produced in very limited numbers for the US Navy during WWII. Designed as a last-ditch weapon for captured personnel, it featured a plunger trigger and a pivot-open action. Despite its military contract, there's no evidence of combat use, and its impractical design, including being issued as a single glove, limited its utility.