Details & reference:
British Snipers operating with the Army, Royal Marines and
RAF Regiment are to get a new Long Range Rifle designated
L115A3, offering better performance at extended range. MoD
is buying 580 new Accuracy International Ltd AW series 0.388winmag
long range rifles. They will be matched with daylight telescopic
sights from Schmidt & Bender, under a £4 million
contract. The new rifle fires a larger calibre bullet than
the existing British sniper rifle. The type selected by the
British uses a 27" barrel firing 0.338lapua (8.59mm )
ammunition to a range of 1,200 yards (1.1 km). the rifle is
loaded with a five round magazine. The rifle weighs 15 pounds
(6.8 kg) and has an overall length of 50 inch (1.30 m').
The acquisition is part of a broader Sniper System Improvement
(SSI) program designed to improve UK snipers' firepower, precision
and stealth. The first contract for the new longer range rifle
and day sight is the first element in the program. The complete
£11 acquisition will also address advanced, all-weather
day and night sights and spotter scopes. Units will begin
receiving the new rifles in 2008. The new weapon is expected
to be fully operational by spring 2008.
Links: News
16/NOV/2007 |
