Infantry Support Weapons

The PE 0604601A: Infantry Support Weapons program is a comprehensive Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) effort focused on advancing the lethality, survivability, and effectiveness of individual Soldiers and squads. This program element supports the Soldier Lethality Army Modernization Priority by developing and testing prototypes of weapons, clothing, equipment, and other items critical to Soldier performance. The overarching goal is to manage the Soldier as a system, integrating technologies that enhance combat effectiveness, survivability, and quality of life. The program is managed by the Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO-S) and involves coordination with Army Futures Command, the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and other stakeholders.

CF3: Integrated Soldier Systems (SL CFT) aims to mature and evaluate technologies for Squad as a System (SaaS), utilizing a system-of-systems approach. Key objectives include updating Formations Based Architecture, evaluating interoperability of soldier and squad systems, and maintaining the Architecture Assessment Tool (AAT). The Adaptive Squad Architecture (ASA) and Soldier Integration Facility (SIF) provide digital engineering foundations and physical/virtual evaluation environments. Funding supports IBCT formation-based architectures, common control/controller development between Nett Warrior and robotics, and integration with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) and Uncrewed Vehicle Control (UVC). These efforts align with the Army's Digital Engineering and Transformation Strategy.

ES9: Advanced Tactical Parachute System is dedicated to improving personnel parachute systems and associated equipment for both low and high altitude operations. The program focuses on canopy enhancements, integration of new technologies, and increasing the safety, reliability, and durability of airdrop equipment. Activities include operational testing of T-11 Cross Corner Inversion modifications, Parachutist Emergency Release System (PERS), and developmental testing of the Static Line Automatic Activation Device (SLAAD). The project also supports cross-service initiatives to improve commonality and modernization of parachute systems.

EW4: Crew Served Weapons Engineering Development funds the design, development, integration, and testing of small and medium caliber crew-served weapons, remote weapon stations, and related enhancements. Objectives include increasing lethality, improving fire control and target acquisition, and integrating counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. Priorities are the integration of the XM101 40mm HEDP-AB programmer, hardware/software upgrades for remote weapon stations, and evaluation of new enabling technologies. Congressional adds supported efforts such as cannon life extension, reduction of hexavalent chromium, CROWS-AHD integration, and AI-enabled fire control sensor development.

FF2: Small Arms Fire Control supports the development of the M157 Next Generation Squad Weapon - Fire Control (NGSW-FC), an advanced optic system with integrated range finder, ballistic calculator, and digital display. The program seeks to increase hit probability and reduce engagement time, utilizing open architecture and modular interfaces for future capability increments. Activities include hardware development for thermal sensor and passive targeting capabilities, software improvements leveraging AI/ML, and extensive government testing and Soldier Touch Point evaluations to validate readiness for production.

FM4: Next Generation Squad Weapons funds the development and improvement of the M7 Rifle and M250 Automatic Rifle, which are planned replacements for the M4A1 Carbine and M249 SAW, respectively. Both weapons use a common 6.8mm cartridge and are designed to provide enhanced accuracy, range, and lethality. Efforts focus on ergonomic improvements, reduction in system weight and signature, integration of new ammunition types, and continued testing and user evaluations. The program is transitioning to Major Capability Acquisition programs, with SIG Sauer Inc. as the primary production contractor.

S58: Soldier Enhancement Program uses a buy, try, and decide methodology to rapidly evaluate Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), Government off-the-shelf (GOTS), and Non-Developmental Items (NDI) for potential Soldier capability enhancements. Proposals are submitted and reviewed regularly, with approved items procured and evaluated by Soldiers. Funding supports product assessments, safety confirmations, and evaluations to inform requirements generation and potential program of record transitions. This program is a priority for Army Futures Command and supports rapid modernization.

S60: Clothing & Equipment funds engineering and manufacturing development of clothing and individual equipment, focusing on survivability, mobility, and quality of life improvements. The program leverages advancements in materials, fabrication, and protective technologies, with emphasis on extreme environmental protection and camouflage. Activities include ensemble evaluations for arctic and jungle environments, load carriage equipment improvements, and testing to eliminate PFAS chemicals. The program supports cross-service commonality and modernization initiatives.

S61: Acis Engineering Development supports the Air Soldier System (Air SS), enhancing aircrew survivability, situational awareness, and mission performance through hardware and software upgrades. Efforts include integration of Nett Warrior-Aviation capabilities, development of modular open system architectures, and improvements in flight gear for diverse aircrew needs. Priorities are integration with future aircraft platforms and continued Preplanned Product Improvement (P3I) to address emerging threats and interoperability requirements.

S63: Individual Weapons Engineering Development focuses on transitioning advanced small arms technologies from prototype to operational capability. The program addresses capability gaps identified by the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Soldier Lethality CFT, emphasizing lethality, target acquisition, fire control, and reliability. Efforts include continued design, development, and testing of individual weapon systems, advanced optics, and munitions, with a strategic shift of some funding to support the Precision Grenadier System (PGS) as a new start.

S70: Personnel Recovery Support System (PRSS) develops and tests devices and equipment to report and locate isolated Soldiers in GPS-denied and contested environments. The program emphasizes secure waveforms with low probability of intercept/detection and interoperability across operational theaters. Activities include minimal integration and testing of secure components, with a planned halt in development. Congressional adds supported secure mode upgrades for PRSS beacons.

VS5: Soldier Protective Equipment funds engineering and manufacturing development of personal protective equipment, including body armor, helmets, eyewear, and hearing protection. The program leverages technological advancements to improve protection against emerging threats, optimize test methodologies, and enhance fit and integration for diverse Soldier populations. Priorities include continued testing, integration, and human factors evaluations, with a focus on validating performance and reducing injury risk. The program supports cross-service commonality and modernization.