ADS | Developing the SMAW MOD 2 | ADS, Inc.
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SHOULDER-LAUNCHED MULTIPURPOSE ASSAULT WEAPON (SMAW MOD 2)

THE CUSTOMER:

U.S. Marine Corps

THE CHALLENGE:

The first Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)—SMAW Modification 0—was introduced to the Armed Forces in 1984 and touted an unloaded weight of 16 pounds. A SMAW is the weapon of choice against fortified positions and light armored vehicles, according to MarineTimes.com.

The SMAW Mod 0 version utilized a spotting rifle aiming mechanism that required a significant amount of time to accurately engage targets, posing a threat to the operator when used in hostile environments.

The operator also had to fire several ballistically-matched tracer rounds to determine a target’s range, exposing themselves and their location. Lastly, its 9mm spotting rifle was more than 30 years old and experienced increased failure rates as well as maintenance costs.

SMAW Modification 0:

THE REQUIREMENT:


In late 2013, Marines field tested applying thermal and laser range-finding technologies by firing 146 rockets through modified SMAWs over an eight-day period. This event validated the need for an improved weapon. In January of 2015, the U.S. Marine Corps released a solicitation for a SMAW Modification 2 contract to replace the SMAW Modification 0 with a safer alternative, reducing the amount of time required to engage targets.

THE SOLUTION:

Upon release of the technical data package, ADS partnered with L-3 Insight Technologies and Wegmann USA to create a weapon system that met the stringent requirements set forth by the U.S. Marine Corps. As a result, ADS was awarded the $72 million, five-year firm-fixed price IDIQ contract in October of 2015 to supply the SMAW Mod 2 version—a complete overhaul of the existing product.


The SMAW Mod 2 utilized the Storm-PI (AN/PSQ-23A) and the LWTS (AN/PAS-13G)—items already supported by the USMC inventory.

shaw mod shoulder gun design
SMAW MOD 2:

The new modification addresses the issues associated with the existing 9mm spotting rifle by replacing it with a modular ballistic sight (MBS).


The MBS, mounted on the SMAW Mod 2, reduces the amount of time required to engage targets, allowing operators to acquire targets rapidly through the latest thermal and range-finding technologies.


Design improvements made the SMAW Mod 2 considerably lighter, reducing the load for the warfighter while still maintaining the same warhead versatility as its predecessor.

The MBS is also removable and can be used as a standalone range finder or to identify enemy targets.


Whether used day or night, this short-range, man-portable, anti-material assault weapon will enable Marines to neutralize a variety of ground targets.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO PURCHASE THE NEW AND IMPROVED SMAW MOD 2, CONTACT YOUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADS REPRESENTATIVE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING FORM OR CALL 866.845.3012.

shaw mod shoulder gun

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