Three contractors chosen to build NGSW prototypes

The Army has chosen General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Textron Systems and Sig Sauer Inc. to each develop prototypes of the two Next Generation Squad Weapon variants.

The service on Aug. 29 awarded the three vendors other transaction agreements for the effort, consisting of the NGSW-Rifle, the NGSW-Automatic Rifle and common 6.8 mm ammunition, according to a Federal Business Opportunities notice.

The Army is planning to equip the first unit with the NGSW-AR in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022, but the service in a June reprogramming request expressed concern the schedule would slip if Congress did not approve a $14.9 million funding shift for the effort.

The prototype OTA spans up to eight years, with delivery expected within 27 months.

Textron in an Aug. 30 press release said the company would deliver 53 NGSW-Rs and 43 NGSW-ARs along with 845,000 rounds of the common ammunition under the OTA.

"Textron Systems has successfully demonstrated its high capability and low-risk 6.8 mm [cased telescoped] system that provides significant performance enhancements over current Army systems," the release says. "The design features improved accuracy and greater muzzle velocity for increased performance, as well as weight savings of both weapon and ammunition over current Army systems. It also incorporates advanced suppressor technology to reduce the firing signature and improve controllability."

Sig Sauer’s Sept. 3 press release says, "The U.S. Army challenged the industry to bring forward significant improvements to the legacy weapons. The Sig Sauer NGSW-AR is lighter in weight, with dramatically less recoil than that currently in service, while our carbine for the NGSW-Rifle submission is built on the foundation of Sig Sauer weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe. Both weapons are designed with features that will increase the capabilities of the soldier."

GD OTS has not issued a press release on its selection.