Slater
08-09-19, 06:19
Another evolutionary AR platform. The powered rail isn't a new concept, but making one work reliably seems to have been an issue:
"While we’ve heard a lot about the Textron CT-firing rifles, VK Integrated Systems’ have purposely focused on the tried and tested AR platform for their XR-68, believing the venerable platform still has room for improvement. Kapogianis tells us that one of the upgrades that they are bringing to the rifle are their “stocks and aluminum lower receivers that neatly house and route electronics throughout the lower portion of the weapon“. He explains that to accommodate their SmarTak powered rail system only one part in the lower has to be modified. The XR-68 weighs ‘no more than 9lbs‘ unloaded, with the rail system and electronics installed."
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/08/08/vk-integrated-systems-and-bachstein-consulting-submit-xr-68-to-us-armys-ngsw-programme/
"While we’ve heard a lot about the Textron CT-firing rifles, VK Integrated Systems’ have purposely focused on the tried and tested AR platform for their XR-68, believing the venerable platform still has room for improvement. Kapogianis tells us that one of the upgrades that they are bringing to the rifle are their “stocks and aluminum lower receivers that neatly house and route electronics throughout the lower portion of the weapon“. He explains that to accommodate their SmarTak powered rail system only one part in the lower has to be modified. The XR-68 weighs ‘no more than 9lbs‘ unloaded, with the rail system and electronics installed."
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/08/08/vk-integrated-systems-and-bachstein-consulting-submit-xr-68-to-us-armys-ngsw-programme/