Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.

0 20/04/2009

Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier Capability Vision Task 2 Weapons Systems Study Stage 1 Reduced Weight Ammunition Proof of Principle
Centre for Defence Enterprise Call for proposals & expressions of interest
Release date: 23 April 2009

Crown Copyright, images from 2nd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Nothing herein shall be relied upon as constituting a contract, agreement or representation that any contract shall be offered in accordance herewith. The MoD reserves the right, subject to the appropriate procurement regulations, to change without notice the basis of, or the procedures for, or to terminate the process at any time. Under no circumstances shall MoD incur any liability in respect thereof.

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009

Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier Capability Vision Task 2 Weapons Systems Study Stage 1 Reduced Weight Ammunition Proof of Principle Call for proposals & expressions of interest
Foreword Reducing the weight of Weapons Systems forms part of the Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier (RBDS) Capability Vision (CV) launched by MOD in 2009. Addressing the weight of this equipment, in conjunction with the other initiatives covered in the RBDS CV, seeks to reduce the load on the dismount soldier to no more than 25 kg. Reduced Weight Ammunition has been identified as a possible quick win 2 that can address part of the overall Weapons Systems load . This document covers the requirement for an ammunition weight reduction Proof of Principle (PoP) demonstration as the initial stage of work. On patrol, UK soldiers frequently have to carry a huge weight burden caused by body armour, communications and IT, batteries, night vision, food, water, weapons, ammunition and much else in hot, dry and sometimes mountainous conditions. A significant part of the Defence Research Programme is looking at new technology to evolve this capability of the dismounted soldier, through improvements to survivability and fighting effectiveness. However, in parallel with this work, MOD want to look at a generational leap focussed more on maintaining these levels of fighting effectiveness but with a significant fall in physiological burden. To that end, the Reduced Weight Ammunition Programme will seek to achieve rapid pull-through of high risk, high pay-off technologies to a lightweight ammunition technology demonstration within two years. This document provides an overview of the current ammunition burden, the scenarios in which it might be used, and potentially relevant technologies. However, it must be stressed that the scenarios and technologies are provided to stimulate thought and should not be allowed to constrain potential ideas or solutions; nor should they be seen as exhaustive. Proposals for funding should be submitted using the Centre for Defence Enterprise portal (www.science.mod.uk/engagement) and clearly marked Reduced Weight Ammunition. More general expressions of interest in involvement in the Reduced Weight Ammunition Programme should be sent to rpbeattie@mail.dstl.gov.uk.
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This includes weapons, sighting systems and ammunition. The overall Weapons Systems Study is divided into two main elements; comprising Reduced Weight Ammunition (this study) and Revolutionary Firepower (starting 2010). The programme schedule is detailed in Section 4.
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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009

1 1.1

Context The UK Government spends over 30Bn per year on Defence. The MOD invests over half of this budget on equipment, works and miscellaneous stores and services ranging from, for example, tanks, ships and aircraft through to tools and clothing. The Defence Industrial Strategy describes MODs future military capability requirements and the interaction between MOD and the defence supplier base. This strategy stresses the value MOD places on engagement with a wider supplier base, including the academic sector and small companies, to stimulate innovation and exploit technological advance for the benefit of UK defence. A recent study found that research and development (R&D) accounted for approximately 2.6Bn of the defence budget. Approximately 2.1Bn of this is part of the equipment and support programme. Approximately 500M is centrally managed as a Science, Innovation and Technology (SIT) programme. Figure 1 illustrates the transition from ideas through growth to demonstrators and on to application, and lists initiatives in place to support each stage.
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Counter Competition of Ideas Grand Challenge Seed Corn Research International Research Collaboration Challenge Workshops Single Source Research Enterprise Growth Defence Technology Centres Consortia based Research and Technology Joint Funded Research and Technology Single Source Research and Technology

Terrorism Rapid Development of Solutions in Operations High Risk High Impact Demonstrators Equipment and Support for Operations

Risk Reduction R Demonstrators

Advice / Assessments
Ideas Growth Demonstrators Application

Figure 1: The MOD science & technology delivery model 1.4 The Defence Industrial Strategy and MOD Innovation Strategy emphasise the need for flexibility, agility and responsiveness in developing new technology and concepts to meet emerging capability needs. The Defence Technology Plan, which was announced in Autumn 2007 and publicly launched in February 2009, identified the concept of capability visions as a mechanism for bringing forward innovation and a revolution in capability. The concept and underpinning mechanisms behind the capability visions were endorsed by the Defence R&D Board in early 2008, which agreed that up to 10% of the science and technology budget should be allocated to CVs, although in the first tranche MoD will be investing rather less than this. MoD expects to launch around 5 CVs per year, usually with maximum programme lengths of up to 3 years.
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Defence White Paper: Defence Industrial Strategy Cm6697, published December 2005 Maximising Defence Capability Through R&D, published October 2007 Ministry of Defence Innovation Strategy, published December 2007

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009 2 2.1 Problem Space UK dismounted soldiers are operating in very difficult environments where they are hindered by the 6 excessive burden of carried loads. Regularly carrying ~45 kg of equipment and supplies on missions in temperatures exceeding 45C is unsustainable, reducing the duration, frequency and quality of mission that can be undertaken. The load carried reduces the tempo of infantry operations, and increases the vulnerability of the dismounted soldier. To counter this increase in vulnerability, more protection has been applied, which further increases the burden. It is recommended that the soldier load should be reduced to no more 7 than one third of lean body weight, which equates to an average load of around 25kg . The lighter load could allow, for example: 2.3 The agility of the individual soldier to increase. 8 The operational tempo of formed bodies to increase (by about 25%) . Small arms firing accuracy to increase. The effects of climate extremes to be reduced. Combat and non-combat casualty rates to be reduced.

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Currently, there are a variety of weapon systems (and associated ammunition) that are carried by dismounted soldiers. The specific weapons issued are dependent on the role of the individual soldier within a section and includes: 5.56mm weapons - SA80 L85A2 IW, SA80 L86A2 LSW, Diemaco C8 SFW Carbine (L119A1) and FN Minimi LMGs (L110A2 and L108A1 variants); 7.62mm weapons - L7A2 GPMG, HK 417 and HK G3 series; 9 Other weapons and ammunition .

Figure 2 Capability vision, reduction in dismounted soldier burden

Soldier Burden Reference Document Dstl document currently in Draft Def Stan 00-25 Part 17. 8 QINETIQ/CHS/CRO10420 dated 31 Aug 01: Performance Limitations of Load Carriage for the Infantry Soldier. 9 A number of other weapons systems are also carried, e.g. 9mm pistols, under-slung grenade launchers, grenades and mortar rounds. However, the ammunition used by these other weapons systems is considered outside the scope of this study.
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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009 2.4 The amount and type of ammunition carried varies widely, dependent on the role of the individual soldier and the mission or task they are engaged in. Excluding anti armour and anti structure missiles, this can typically account for 20% of the overall load carried by dismounted soldiers. However, for some roles, e.g. GPMG gunner, the ammunition load can be considerably higher. The Reduced Weight Ammunition programme has therefore been developed to address the burden associated with the current 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition, comprising: 2.6 5.56mm rounds, magazines and ammunition belts; 7.62mm rounds and ammunition belts. Specific challenges include (but are not limited to) consideration of: In-service environment; Equipment service life; Development timescales; Qualification and ease and practicality of manufacture; Integration with the weapon, cartridges, pouches and magazine/links; Materials properties; Internal and external ballistics and terminal effects; Gun chamber obturation and heat transfer; Environmental issues; Affordability.

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009

3 3.1

Solution Space The desired outcome of the Reduced Weight Ammunition strand of the RBDS CV is a reduction in the weight of current ammunition by 30%, without loss of functionality or capability (as a first step to achieving a 50% weight reduction in weapons systems carried by dismounted soldiers). This programme (Reduced Weight Ammunition PoP) plans, within three months of contract award, to: Generate technology concepts that can achieve (or go part way towards achieving) the desired 30% weight reduction in the weight of current in-service 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition, ammunition belts, magazines and other aspects of ammunition carriage; - Quantify the benefits of the concepts in terms of weight reduction; - Provide a PoP demonstration and supporting documentation. This programme will be followed by an Exploitation Study (in Stage 2, refer Section 4) by an independent assessor that will: Examine the PoP and supporting documentation of any concepts submitted; 10 Determine how these concepts can be exploited though Project MASS ; Down-select suitable concepts for further exploitation; Report the findings of the exploitation study (within 6 months of the PoP) and input this data to the Revolutionary Firepower Study (refer Section 4); Conduct a Technology Demonstration (at TRL 7) (within a year of the exploitation study report). The solution space in which we aim to achieve these targets will comprise a range of lightweight materials technology. These could include: Projectiles; Cartridge Cases; Energetic Materials; Magazines; Ammunition belts; Ammunition belt carriers, charger clips and associated items. It is recognised that, in order to make substantial weight savings, technology concepts (e.g. a new ammunition type) could comprise a number of enabling technologies (e.g. lightweight metal alloy casing, new charge chemical composition, etc).

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The RBDS CV programme is seeking quick win solutions. It, therefore, appears that concepts that 11 can provide a direct lightweight replacement of the current ammunition/magazines/links , or concepts 12 that require only minor modifications to current weapons , are more likely to be able to be successfully demonstrated within the two-year timeframe. However, potential bidders should not be discouraged from proposing more novel concepts, provided that they have long term potential and can provide an acceptable level of effectiveness compared to current ammunition. Such proposals need to state any areas of non-compliance and any modifications to current weapons that would be required. It should be noted that the optimum solution should also have an affordable through life cost. The military environment is a harsh one with equipment being required to operate in a range of extreme conditions. These conditions may include extremes of temperature, humidity, altitude, and dirty and dusty environments. Physical abuse such as shock and vibration loads will also be applied to equipment. In addition, for any new ammunition to enter service requires a rigorous qualification 13 process. Any proposed solution must also comply with national/international law . Solutions at a range of technology readiness levels (TRLs) will be appropriate. It is initially expected that a range of proof of concept demonstrators at lower TRL will be funded which will then be downselected to fewer technologies for further development to higher TRL in Stage 2, leading to the final solution which may include a number of promising technologies integrated to form a complete system.

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10 The ability to exploit the ammunition concepts through Project MASS (Munitions Acquisition - The Supply Solution), is seen as a key driver for the programme. 11 i.e. no modification to the current weapon systems and fully compatible with the NATO STANAGs for ammunition, thereby allowing interoperability amongst allies. 12 This is defined as modifications that require no change to the weapon calibre or chamber dimensions. 13 For example the Geneva and Hague Conventions and UK Government and Military Doctrine and Policies.

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009 4 4.1 Programme plan and interfaces The overall Weapon System Study (Task 2 of the RBDS CV) has been broken down into two distinct Elements of work, which are to be scheduled in two Stages. The way that the Reduced Weight Ammunition Proof of Principle (PoP) Demonstration feeds into the overarching Weapons System Task is defined below: Element 1 - Reduced Weight Ammunition Aim To investigate and demonstrate technologies that can reduce the weight of current ammunition by 30%. 14 - Stage 1 Proof of Principle (PoP) Demonstration (Jul - Sept 2009) Design work will be carried out, at the end of which the supplier will provide a technical demonstration with a report and plan that includes their proposal for continued funding. 15 - Stage 2 Exploitation Study - Contract to be placed under FATS competition Exploitation Study Report (Nov - Mar 2010) Technology Demonstrator (Mar 2010 - Mar 2011) Element 2 - Revolutionary Firepower Weapons System Study (Mar 2010 - Mar 2011) - Contract to be placed under FATS competition. - Aim To conduct a systems study to examine revolutionary approaches of how Fire Teams can deliver the same level of effectiveness, with a 50% weight reduction in Weapon Systems and associated ammunition carried, for the 2025 timeframe. - Stage 2 Weapons System Study Report and system demonstrations. In addition, the aim of Task 5 of the Soldier Burden CV is to develop a Soldier System Architecture (SSA), which identifies and addresses any interface and integration issues within the Soldier Burden Domain. Any ammunition/weapon interface and integration issues identified in this Task will be flagged to Task 5 for incorporation in the SSA.

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This is the work covered in this document. The Framework Agreement for Technical Support (FATS) Agreement specifies a list of approved MOD suppliers.

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009 5 5.1 Getting involved Proposals and expressions of interest in the Reduced Weight Ammunition programme are invited from industry and academia. Proposals for work in the short term should be submitted via the CDE process. Up to 200k (in total) is available for this work. Proposals should be for a maximum duration of three months. Proposals can be for full or partial MOD funding. There is no cap on the value of proposals but it is more likely that a larger number of lower cost proposals (30k 50k) will be funded than a smaller number of higher cost proposals. It is likely that most proposals will be for proof of principle/concept studies. However, proposals for the first stage of a longer project will also be considered, provided that a clear indication of the timeline and scope of the complete project is included. Reports and proposals for further work are to be submitted at the end of the three month working period. The most promising strands of work are likely to be taken forward in Stage 2 of this Task. Before submitting a proposal, you should read carefully the guidance on the CDE website. In particular, you should note that the standard terms & conditions of the CDE must be unequivocally accepted in order for a proposal to be considered. In order to distinguish responses to this call, the title of proposals should start with the words Reduced Weight Ammunition. It is important for suppliers to understand that the Reduced Weight Ammunition programme is focused on looking at novel solutions, and suppliers are urged to submit their best ideas, regardless of how unusual or outrageous they may at first appear. MOD is seeking technology that can have a significant impact on operational capability so the desire is for revolution rather than evolution. The timeline for CDE technology proposals (Stage 1) is as follows: 5.6 23 Apr 5 Jun 19 Jun 3 Jul Mid Oct End Oct CDE seminar: call opens Call closes Target for making decisions Target for contract placement Submit reports & proposals Review contracts & decide which to continue

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The timeline for the Weapons System Design and Demonstration programme (Stage 2) through FATs invitation: 10 Jun 22 Jun 1 Nov Mar 2010 Mar 2011 Bidders Conference ITT Issued Target for contract placement Exploitation Study Report System Effectiveness Demonstration

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You may submit an expression of interest instead of (or as well as) a CDE proposal. This is not a request for funding. It provides a mechanism by which you can register an interest in future involvement in the Reduced Weight Ammunition programme. You can also use it to raise awareness of a system or concept that either exists or is in development and which might form part of the solution. Expressions of interest should be sent directly to the Reduced Weight Ammunition programme team using the enclosed contact list. Please include the following information: enterprise name, point of contact and contact information type & size of enterprise; scale of current work for MOD; details of any specific research, products or programmes that are relevant to the Reduced Weight Ammunition including why you believe that they are relevant. You should feel free to attach any relevant documents. You may also request a meeting to discuss your interests.

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5.10 Where possible, expressions of interest should be submitted by 5 Jun. However, expressions of interest received after this date may still be considered.

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Reduced Weight Ammunition CDE Call v 1.0 20/04/2009 6 Glossary

CDE CV FATS GPMG ITT IW LMG LSW MOD PoP R&D RBDS SFW SIT SSA TRL

Centre for Defence Enterprise Capability Vision Framework Agreement for Technical Support General Purpose Machine Gun Invitation To Tender Infantry Weapon Light Machine Gun Lightweight Support Weapon Ministry of Defence Proof of Principle Research and Development Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier Special Forces Weapon Science, Innovation and Technology Soldier System Architecture Technology Readiness Weapon

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