MURFREESBORO, TN – The U.S. Army has announced that the MARS Inc, Barrett team has been selected as the winner of the xTech Soldier Lethality competition. In six months, this team of agile businesses were able to design, build, test, and demonstrate the effectiveness of a new 30mm grenade rifle system in support of the Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) requirement.
PGS is a soldier portable, shoulder fired, semi-automatic, magazine fed, integrated armament system (weapon, ammunition, fire control) that enables rapid, precision engagements to destroy personnel targets in defilade and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) targets at close range. Both companies are proud to have the opportunity to provide this unique capability to the U.S. and allied war fighters.
“For decades, Barrett has changed the battlefield with revolutionary systems like the shoulder fired semi-automatic .50 caliber Model 82 and its modern variants, as well as the MRAD MK 22 — the world’s most accurate multi-caliber sniper rifle,” said Bryan James, Barrett CEO. “These weapon systems are now supporting the U.S. and more than 80 allied nations around the world. With our focus now on the U.S. Army’s PGS initiative, we are committed to delivering another game changing advantage: a system with Programmable Air Bursting counter defilade and Counter-UAS capabilities designed to keep our troops safe and ensure mission success.”
The xTech program was an incredible demonstration of the strength and capabilities of the Barrett team to collaborate with likeminded companies to achieve what many thought unachievable in the given timeframe. As part of that journey, Barrett worked closely with small business innovator MARS Inc to bring their technology to life, AMTEC Corp to develop an entirely new family of 30mm shoulder fired munitions, and Precision Targeting to provide a fire control system customized for the AMTEC ammunition. This new ammunition family will have the full spectrum of capabilities required to achieve the US Army’s mission to provide overmatch on the modern battlefield. This includes, Programmable Air Bursting High Explosive (HE), Proximity Fuzed and Point Detonating HE, as well as a Close Quarter Battle Round.
“This award highlights not only our technical capabilities, but the power of partnership, agility, and a shared mission,” said Ryan Krantz, Barrett Vice President of Business Development & Sales. “We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army to deliver the next leap forward in soldier lethality.”
About Barrett
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 80 US Department of State approved countries around the world. The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and to provide training for those systems. Barrett is part of the NIOA Group. For more information, please visit www.barrett.net.
About MARS
MARS, Inc., a Montana-based firearms R&D company, designs, tests, and fields cutting-edge firearms technology for military and civilian use. Known for its innovative solutions, MARS created an ultra-low-recoil 7.62x51mm battle rifle using unique reciprocating barrel technology. After being selected as a finalist in the U.S. Army’s xTech Precision Grenadier System competition, MARS continues to advance its patented technologies and explore new opportunities with partner Barrett while ongoing R&D drives further innovation. For more information, please visit www.marsrifle.com.
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