POTD: FN America LICC IWS
Is this the next FN SCAR? No, it’s not. The IWS (Individual Weapon System) is an entirely new weapon, distinct from the SCAR family. It uses a long-stroke gas piston operating system, which reduces recoil and places less strain on the internal components. The IWS will likely be offered in additional calibers, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 6.5 mm Creedmoor as the development and customer interest grows and continues.
The IWS is chambered for the LICC, a .264 (6.5 x 43mm) round originally developed by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) at Fort Benning, GA, and later optimized by FNA’s team.
I cannot be alone in getting some U.S. NGSW (Next Generation Squad Weapon) vibes? The LICC ammunition should work in FN’s machine guns as well. The British Army’s FN MAG could be in need of replacement, and if they hadn’t chosen the KS-1 this could have been an interesting alternative. It seems to have no 6.8x51 capability, but I’m pretty sure the LICC .264 will be very close and I’m guessing at a fraction of the price?
Image source: FN America
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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6.8x51 NGSW is a dead-end. Cartridge too bulky for mass logistics and minimizes trooper's basic load—firefights are a matter of maxxing out your rounds carried. Chamber pressure too high. Recoil too much for average grunt. Weapon too bulky.
FN's 6.5x43x.473 LICC (think of a 6mmGT necked up to 6.5) would be far better — keeps capability while reducing weight and bulk.
6mmARC or something very similar is the answer as a 5.56 NATO replacement. Capability with low-recoil and minimum logistics bulk while maximizing trooper's basic load.
The NGSW we should have gotten.