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{{Short description|US Army rifle development competition}}
:''OICW redirects here, for the Observatory of the Carnegie Institute of Washington, see [[Carnegie Institution for Science#Observatories of the CIW|Carnegie Institution for Science]].''
{{no footnotes|date=February 2014}}
[[Image:XM8 early 01.jpg|thumb|200px|An early XM8 mockup after the break up; became part of OICW Increment 1]]
[[File:XM8 early 01.jpg|thumb|An early XM8 mockup after the break up; became part of OICW Increment 1]]
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:A spiw proto.gif|thumb|right|200px|Early Springfield Armory SPIW prototype (Circa 1964)]] -->
The '''Objective Individual Combat Weapon''' or '''OICW''' was the next-generation service [[rifle]] competition that was under development as part of the [[United States Army]] OICW program; the program was eventually discontinued without bringing the weapon out of the prototype phase. The acronym OICW is often used to refer to the entire weapons program.
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Spiw prototype.gif|thumb|right|200px|Final Springfield Armory SPIW prototype (Circa 1966)]] -->
 
It was started in the aftermath of the [[Advanced Combat Rifle]] (or ACR) during the 1980s. Like the ACR program, it has largely been a failure in terms of achieving the specific program goals (e.g., replacing the [[M16 rifle|M16]]) and has cost millions of dollars, but has resulted in many innovative weapons and weapon concepts as well as offshoot programs of its own.
The '''Objective Individual Combat Weapon''' or '''OICW''' was the next-generation service [[rifle]] competition that was under development as part of the [[United States Army]] OICW program; the program was eventually discontinued without bringing the weapon out of the prototype phase. The acronym OICW is often used to refer to the entire weapons program.
 
==Development==
It was started in the aftermath of the [[Advanced Combat Rifle]] (or ACR) during the 1980s. Like the ACR program, it has largely been a failure in terms of achieving the specific program goals (e.g. replacing the [[M16 rifle|M16]]) and has cost millions of dollars, but has resulted in many innovative weapons and weapon concepts as well as offshoot programs of its own.
[[File:OCPAXM25test2005.jpg|thumb|A working XM25 prototype is tested in 2005; this was part of OICW Increment 2]]
[[File:NIMcase444ACRtest.jpg|thumb|The final four ACR program test entrants]]
 
The central idea of the program was to develop a rifle that enabled the attacking of targets behind cover by using airburst munitions. The munitions were to be much smaller than pre-existing [[grenades]] and [[grenade launchers]], but large enough to be effective. The idea was refined into a combination of a short [[assault rifle]] and semi-automatic, low-velocity [[cannon]] firing air-bursting munitions. The OICW aimed to use advances in computer technology in a weapon that fired grenades automatically pre-set to explode above or beside targets hidden from view. Fragmentation from the exploding grenades could hit the target when normal rifle fire could not.
[[File:OICW Posted arm.jpg|thumb|Objective Infantry Combat Weapon advance model]]
 
The winners of the first competition for the project during the 1990s were ATK and firearms manufacturer [[Heckler & Koch]] with the [[XM29 OICW]]. They went on to build numerous prototypes of the rifle for the [[United States]] military in the late 1990s. These projects centered on using a programmable 20 mm airburst munition-firing rifle by itself or with other projectile-based weapons attached. The 20 mm launcher was analyzed in various configurations, including a launcher by itself, with a 5.56 mm weapon (based on the [[Heckler & Koch G36|HK G36]]), or with a [[Heckler & Koch MP7|MP7]] [[Personal defense weapon|PDW]].
==Development==
[[Image:OCPAXM25test2005.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A working XM25 prototype is tested in 2005; this was part of OICW Increment 2]]
===Overview===
The central idea of the program was to develop a rifle that enabled the attacking of targets behind cover by using airburst munitions. The munitions were to be much smaller than pre-existing [[grenades]] and [[grenade launchers]], but large enough to be effective. The idea was refined into a combination of a short [[assault rifle]] and semi-automatic, low-velocity [[cannon]] firing air-bursting munitions. The OICW aimed to use advances in computer technology in a weapon that fired grenades automatically pre-set to explode above or beside targets hidden from view. Fragmentation from the exploding grenades would defeat the target when normal rifle fire would be ineffective.
===First competition===
The winners of the first competition for the project during the 1990s were ATK and firearms manufacturer [[Heckler & Koch]] with the [[XM29 OICW]]. They went on to build numerous prototypes of the rifle for the [[United States]] military in the late 1990s. These projects centered on using a programmable 20 mm airburst munition-firing rifle by itself or with other projectile-based weapons attached. The 20 mm launcher was analyzed in various configurations, including a launcher by itself, with a 5.56 mm weapon (based on the [[Heckler & Koch G36|HK G36]]), or with a [[Heckler & Koch MP7|MP7]] [[PDW]].
===XM29===
By the early 2000s, the weapon had settled on a design and was classified as the XM29. The XM29 was based on a the HK CAW (Close Assault Weapon) (Cal. 18.5 x 76 or 12 Gauge non-conventional). However, the weapon had serious problems - it did not meet weight or cost targets, and the 20 mm XM1019 High Explosive Air Bursting (HEAB) did not seem to be lethal enough in testing. To compound matters, the kinetic-energy component had to be light and short in length. As a result the [[5.56x45mm NATO]] barrel had a length of only 250mm (9.8 inches), which is too short to generate enough muzzle velocity to be effective. It was also too heavy and too large to be operated effectively by a soldier.
 
By the early 2000s, the weapon had settled on a design and was classified as the XM29. The XM29 was based on the [[Heckler & Koch HK CAWS|HK CAWS (Close Assault Weapon System)]] (Cal. 18.5×76mm or 12 Gauge non-conventional). However, the weapon had serious problems: it did not meet weight or cost targets, and the 20 mm High Explosive Air Bursting (HEAB) did not seem to be lethal enough in testing. To compound matters, the kinetic-energy component had to be light and short in length. As a result, the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] barrel had a length of only 250 mm (9.8 inches), which is too short to generate enough muzzle velocity to be effective as a standard infantry rifle. It was also too heavy and too large to be operated effectively by a soldier.
===XM8 and XM25===
This resulted in the army starting development on new weapons, and finally shelving the XM29 in 2004. The kinetic energy component split off into the [[XM8 rifle]] program and the airburst component developed into the [[XM25 CDTE|XM25]] airburst weapon. According to a presentation by [[Major]] [[Kevin Finch]], Chief of the Small Arms Division of the [[Directorate of Combat Developments]] at the U.S. Army Infantry Center, there were three main parts to the OICW program.
===Increment 1===
Increment 1 (OICW 1) was a competition for a whole weapon system family similar to the [[XM8 rifle|XM8]]. The weapon system was to potentially replace the [[M4 carbine]], [[M16 rifle]], [[M249 Squad Automatic Weapon|M249]] [[light machine gun]] and some [[M9 pistol]]s. Other arms companies had contended that the OICW project goals had changed enough to warrant another competition. Potential challengers could include a weapons system based on an updated M16, the [[Steyr AUG]], the aforementioned [[FN SCAR]], and potentially any other manufacturer that fulfilled the Army requirements for participating. It also listed the shotgun being replaced by a modular shotgun system ([[XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System|XM26 LSS]]) mounted on the OICW 1 winner.
 
This resulted in the army starting development on new weapons, and finally shelving the XM29 in 2004. The kinetic energy component split off into the [[XM8 rifle]] program and the airburst component developed into the [[XM25 CDTE|XM25]] airburst weapon. According to a presentation by [[Major (rank)|Major]] [[Kevin Finch]], Chief of the Small Arms Division of the [[Directorate of Combat Developments]] at the U.S. Army Infantry Center, there were three main parts to the OICW program:
The Increment 1 portion was put on an eight-week hold in July 2005, primarily to take into account input and needs of other services. On October 31, 2005, the OICW I program was cancelled. The reason given for the cancellation was stated as: "This action has been taken in order for the Army to reevaluate its priorities for small caliber weapons, and to incorporate emerging requirements identified during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. The Government will also incorporate studies looking into current capability gaps during said reevaluation."
===Increment 2===
OICW Increment 2 was a stand-alone airburst weapon the ([[XM25]]). This is a standalone launcher that uses bigger 25 mm munition, and was intended to be a special applications and support weapon, not an individual combat weapon as previous models were. In 2005, the weapon underwent limited field trials and combat testing.
 
* Increment 1 (OICW 1) was a competition for a whole weapon system family similar to the [[XM8 rifle|XM8]]. The weapon system was to potentially replace the [[M4 carbine]], [[M16 rifle]], [[M249 Squad Automatic Weapon|M249]] [[light machine gun]] and some [[M9 pistol]]s. Other [[arms industry|arms companies]] had contended that the OICW project goals had changed enough to warrant another competition. Potential challengers could include a weapons system based on an updated M16, the [[Steyr AUG]], the [[FN SCAR]], and potentially any other manufacturer that fulfilled the Army requirements for participating. It also listed the shotgun being replaced by a modular shotgun system ([[XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System|XM26 LSS]]) mounted on the OICW 1 winner. The Increment 1 portion was put on an eight-week hold in July 2005, primarily to take into account input and needs of other services. On October 31, 2005, the OICW I program was cancelled. The reason given for the cancellation was stated as: "This action has been taken in order for the Army to reevaluate its priorities for small caliber weapons, and to incorporate emerging requirements identified during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. The Government will also incorporate studies looking into current capability gaps during said reevaluation."
===Increment 3===
* OICW Increment 32 was thea XM29.stand-alone Theairburst M203weapon wasthe listed([[XM25 as beingCDTE|XM25]]). replacedThis byis a combinationstandalone oflauncher Incrementsthat 2uses andbigger 3.25 mm Themunition, M249and was alsointended to be partiallya replacedspecial byapplications aand lightweightsupport MG (LMGAweapon, nownot LSAT),an whichindividual wascombat listedweapon as beingprevious themodels successorwere. toIn 2005, the [[M60weapon machineunderwent gun|M60]]limited field trials and [[M240combat machine gun|M240]]testing.
* OICW Increment 3 was the XM29. The M203 was listed as being replaced by a combination of Increments 2 and 3. The M249 was also to be partially replaced by a lightweight MG (LMGA, now LSAT), which was listed as being the successor to the [[M60 machine gun|M60]] and [[M240 machine gun|M240]].
 
==OICW-related Related weapons ==
[[ImageFile:MP7 SMG.jpg|thumb|300px|In the late 1990s theThe [[Heckler & Koch MP7]] was, conceptualized in the late 1990s as the kinetic energy component of the SABR (later XM29); the XM29 was put on hold, but the MP7 entered production in 2001]]
[[File:XM8wXM320 sharpshooter.jpg|thumb|One tester is kneeling with a XM8 Carbine and XM320 attached, the other has the XM8 sharpshooter]]
 
In the aftermath of the ACR program, the OICW program began. There were two main contenders, one design by AAI and its companies, and the other by ATK (with H&K and other companies); ATK and H&K won.
 
OICW concepts/prototypes in the 1990s:
*Original OICW Concept, OICW program targets drafted (circa 1980s/early 1990s)
* 20 mm smart grenade and 5.56 mm rifle in side by side configuration
*OICW concepts/prototypes in 1990s
** 20  mm smart grenade and 5.56 mm rifle in side bystand sidealone configurationunit (XM25)
** 20  mm smart grenade stand aloneand unit[[MP7]]
**20 20 mm smart grenade and 5.56 mm rifle in over-under configuration ([[MP7XM29 OICW]])
**20 mm smart grenade and 5.56 mm rifle in over-under configuration ([[XM29 OICW]])
*Program temporarily suspended circa 2004. Restarted with separate 'increments' for different weapons.
 
*Some weapon programs involved with, stemming from, or using technology from the OICW project include:
**[[XM1018]] (HEAB Ammunition)
**[[XM8 rifle]] (5.56 kinetic energy component)
**[[XM25 CDTE|XM25]] (Uses low velocity 25 mm smart airburst munition)
**[[XM109]] (Uses 'high velocity' 25 mm 'dumb' version of smart munition)
**[[XM307 ACSW]] (Uses 'high velocity' 25 mm smart airburst munition; autocannon)
***[[XM312]] (.50 BMG version of XM307)
**[[Mk 47]] (Mk 47 Mod 0) (40 mm automatic grenade launcher capable of using smart 40 mm airburst grenades)
**[[Land Warrior]]
**[[XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System]] (A lightweight shotgun attachment)
**[[M320]] (40 mm grenade launcher)
 
* [[XM1018]] (25×40mm HEAB Ammunition)
[[Image:XM8wXM320 sharpshooter.jpg|thumb|300px|One tester is kneeling with a XM8 Carbine and XM320 attached, the other has the XM8 sharpshooter]]
* [[XM8 rifle]] (5.56 kinetic energy component)
* [[M320]] (40 mm grenade launcher originally developed for the XM8)
* [[XM25 CDTE|XM25]] (Uses low velocity 25×40mm smart airburst munition, semi-automatic standalone grenade launcher)
* [[XM109]] (Uses high velocity 25×59mm munition, [[anti-materiel rifle]])
* [[XM307 ACSW]] (Uses high velocity 25×59mm smart airburst munition, automatic grenade launcher)
** [[XM312]] (.50 BMG version of XM307)
* [[Mk 47]] (Mk 47 Mod 0) (40 mm automatic grenade launcher capable of using smart 40 mm airburst grenades)
* [[Land Warrior]]
* [[XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System]] (A lightweight 12-gauge bolt-action accessory shotgun)
 
== See also ==
Weapons:
*[[XM8 rifle]]
*[[XM25]]
*[[XM29 SABR]]
* [[80.002]]
* [[Advanced Individual Combat Weapon|AICW]]
* [[FN F2000]]
* [[PAPOP]]
* [[Daewoo K11]]
*[[Neopup PAW-20]]
 
* {{lwc|80.002}}
Programs/Projects:
*[[Special Purpose{{lwc|Advanced Individual Combat Weapon]] (SPIW) (Project SALVO, etc.)}}
* {{lwc|FN F2000}}
*[[Advanced Combat Rifle]]
* {{lwc|PAPOP}}
*[[HK CAWS|Close-Assault Weapon System]]
* {{lwc|Daewoo K11}}
*Australia's [[Advanced Individual Combat Weapon]] program
* {{lwc|Neopup PAW-20}}
* {{lwc|QBZ-03#ZH-05|QTS-11}}
* {{lwc|Special Purpose Individual Weapon}}
* {{lwc|NIVA XM1970}}
* {{lwc|Advanced Combat Rifle}}
* {{lwc|HK CAWS}}
* [[List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces]]
* [[List of crew served weapons of the US Armed Forces]]
* [[List of modern infantry related terms and acronyms]]
 
== External links ==
Lists:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040402053459/http://www.hkpro.com/oicw.htm More information including pictures]
*[[List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces]]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/oicw.htm Global Security entry]
*[[List of crew served weapons of the US Armed Forces]]
* [http://www.janes.com/regional_news/americas/news/jdw/jdw050520_1_n.shtml Jane's Defense news on OICW program in May 2005]
*[[List of modern infantry related terms and acronyms]]
* [http://www.janes.com/regional_news/americas/news/jdw/jdw000815_1_n.shtml Janes Defense news on OICW program in August 2000]
 
* [http://procnet.pica.army.mil/FBO/RFP/W15QKN-05-R-0449/W15QKN-05-R-0449.htm Pre-solicitation notice for OICW increment 1]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
[[Image:NIMcase444ACRtest.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The final four ACR program test entrants]]
* [http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=707 DefenseReview entry on sources sought for Non-Developmental multi-configurable 5.56 mm modular weapon system]
 
* [http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=37 Military Factory Small Arms]
==External links==
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/11/oicw1-canceled-door-closes-on-xm8-for-now/index.php OICW I canceled]
*[http://www.hkpro.com/oicw.htm More information including pictures]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/oicw.htm Global Security entry]
*[http://www.janes.com/regional_news/americas/news/jdw/jdw050520_1_n.shtml Jane's Defense news on OICW program in May 2005]
*[http://www.janes.com/regional_news/americas/news/jdw/jdw000815_1_n.shtml Janes Defense news on OICW program in August 2000]
*[http://procnet.pica.army.mil/FBO/RFP/W15QKN-05-R-0449/W15QKN-05-R-0449.htm Pre-solicitation notice for OICW increment 1]
*[http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=707 DefenseReview entry on sources sought for Non-Developmental multi-configurable 5.56 mm modular weapon system]
*[http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=37 Military Factory Small Arms]
*[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/11/oicw1-canceled-door-closes-on-xm8-for-now/index.php OICW I canceled]
 
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
[[Category:Grenade launchers]]
[[Category:Trial and research firearms of the United States]]
 
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