CT Weapons
Textron Systems' cased-telescoped (CT) weapons and ammunition systems deliver improved maneuverability and performance at 40% less weight than currently fielded systems.
Our CT weapons and ammunition systems are offered in a 5.56 mm CT light machine gun (LMG), a 7.62 mm CT medium machine gun (MMG) and a 6.5 mm CT carbine. Numerous military assessments and technical evaluations have validated system maturity, performance and weight reduction benefits.
The next generation of CT weapons and ammunition continue to provide weight-saving benefits but substantially increase lethality, providing warfighters improved performance without compromising maneuverability. When it comes to equipping the warfighter – less is definitely more.
configurations
Polymer CT Ammunition
NOVEL AMMUNITION THAT IS 37% LIGHTER THAN CONVENTIONAL BRASS
Textron Systems' CT ammunition uses a novel ammunition design, in which the projectile is seated within a cylindrical case. The CT design allows for up to 37% weight savings, compared to equivalent-performing brass cartridges.
Gross Weight
The CT LMG weighs 9.5 lbs, but offers machine gun capability. With a total system loadout, the system weight is decreased by up to 40%, allowing for increased maneuverability or more ammunition in loadout.
5.56 MM CT
PROVIDING LIGHT MACHINE GUN PERFORMANCE AT A FRACTION OF THE WEIGHT
The CT LMG is a belt-fed, open-bolt machine gun, operating using a long-stroke soft recoil operating system. Our system offers the same down-range performance of the M249, but at a fraction of the weight. The current M249 weapon with 1,000 rounds weighs a combined 48.9 lbs. Textron Systems' CT LMG system reduces total system weight to 28.5 lbs – a 40% reduction – and reduces system volume by 12%, while maintaining lethality.
Gross Weight
The CT LMG weighs 9.5 lbs, but offers machine gun capability. With a total system loadout, the system weight is decreased by up to 40%, allowing for increased maneuverability or more ammunition in loadout.
Proven TRL 7 Maturity
The CT LMG has been tested and refined to technology readiness level (TRL) 7 maturity, being evaluated for all reliability, environmental, handling, and transportation requirements. Multiple military user evaluations have been conducted, with 100% of soldiers preferring the CT LMG over their M249 systems.
6.5 MM CT CARBINE SYSTEM
REDUCES SOLDIER LOAD AND INCREASES LETHALITY
The 6.5mm carbine is a closed-bolt, forward-feed, gas piston-operated weapon, weighing 8.3 lbs. Textron Systems' 6.5 mm CT ammunition weighs 35% less and offers 30% more lethality than 7.62mm x 51mm brass ammunition. Carrying eight magazines, our CT carbine system is 3 lbs lighter than comparable 7.62 mm rifle systems.
Gross Weight
Decreases system weight by up to 40% without reducing lethality.
7.62 MM CT MMG SYSTEM
PROVIDES A 27-LB WEIGHT REDUCTION
The current M240L weapon and 800 rounds weighs a combined 72.4 lbs. Textron Systems' 7.62 CT MMG system reduces total system weight to 45.3 lbs – a 37% reduction – and reduces system volume by 12%. The CT MMG can also be converted to 6.5 mm CT ammunition – providing 30% more lethality when compared to the 7.62 mm cartridge.
Specifications
- CT ammunition is easily configurable in multiple calibers including 5.56 mm, 6.5 mm and 7.62 mm, while maintaining or improving lethality
- Improved maneuverability and accuracy reduces engagement times and increases first-round hit percentages
- Decreases system weight by up to 40% without reducing lethality
- CT weapons can integrate fire control units, trigger interrupts and intelligent rails
- Proven to reduce training and maintenance time and increase weapon reliability