Provides the Soldier using the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon with accessories for enhanced performance.
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Collapsible Butt-stock allows shoulder firing in the extended and collapsed positions. It maintains a vertical buttstock position for full interface with the operator’s shoulder at all times and provides intermediate, locking firing positions. Weapon control improves when fired in confined spaces such as military operations on urban terrain. The butt-stock allows ease of ingress/egress from Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) vehicles and reduces storage space requirements in SBCTs.
The SAW Improved Bi-pod leverages the design of the existing bipod to improve the performance of the M249 weapon, providing the Soldier with increased reliability and weapon accuracy. The bi-pod legs can be adjusted to different heights, providing improved stability on uneven terrain.
The M249 200-Round Soft Pack program is a follow-on effort to the soft packs initially provided under the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI). Based on requests from the field, RFI fielded a 200-round soft pack for the M249 that is designed to improve weapon retention and reduce the noise signature associated with the standard plastic ammunition container. This follow-on program selected a new design pack and resolved all issues identified with the fielded pack. User testing has validated the equipment’s performance. An initial production option was awarded in August 2008 for 9,000 M249 200-round Soft Packs. This option fulfilled requirements for the U.S. government to obtain government purpose rights for competitive procurement.