| Next Generation Rifle Program | |
|---|---|
|
Started |
1998 |
|
Ended |
2008 |
|
Contenders |
FN Herstel, Colt, H&K, KAC |
|
Winner |
Heckler & Koch |
Introduction[]
The Tarakian Army Next Generation Rifle Program started in response due to the aging of the M4/M16 Platform Army Brass commissioned a Study with several companies to produce a new Assault Rifle for the Tarakian Army, the Companies who had submitted designs were Heckler & Koch, Knights Armament Company, Colt and FN Herstel.
History[]
The Next Generation Rifle Program was a 10 Year long study in determing a new rifle for Army Service, More companies had submitted designs later on during the course of the 10 year study, but the one that stood out the most was a Heckler & Koch Design, which would later go on to win the Competion, but many designs submitted by other companies either did not meet criteria or the it wasn't what the Army was looking for, Stress testing was one of the biggest parts of this competition, in which each Rifle performed well but some failed outright horribly.
Criteria[]
The Tarakian Army Released a Statement with the Criteria for a new Rifle in late 1998, the Criteria required the Rifle be Lightweight, Modular, Compact, New Caliber to replace the old 5.56, Be able to accept QD Suppressors, Mount various Optics, perform different roles and most importantly not jam or blow up in the users face when exposed to harsh conditions, the Resulting Criteria had attracted Heckler & Koch as the first contender with the G-36, although the Tarakian Army liked the G-36 they ultimatly rejected it and waited for more entries.
Entries[]
Heckler & Koch G-36, Chambered in 5.56x45mm: Rejected
FN Herstel Mk-16 Mod0 SCAR-L, Chambered in 5.56x45mm: Rejected
Knights Armament Corp M12, Chambered in 5.56x45mm: Rejected
Colt Mfg M16A4, Chambered in 6.8x43mm: Favored
FN Herstel Mk 17 Mod0 SCAR-H, Chambered in 7.62x51mm: Rejected
Heckler & Koch HK416, Chambered in 6.8x43mm SPC: Winner
Heckler & Koch HK417, Chambered in 6.5x55mm SPC: Winner
Winner and Contract[]
When the Heckler & Koch HK416/417 won the contest, a Contract was soon signed with the Company and a initial batch of 15,000 Rifles was ordered with Extra parts, Manuals and Cleaning kits' the 416/417 was by the far the Best Assault Rifle in the Contest and was the most modular Rifle out of the Entries, Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Regiment were the first to field the Rifle along with the majority of the 26th Mechanized Infantry Division