HICAR, Hyper-velocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle, is one of the coolest programs in smalls arms development right now. Taking advantage of improved case formation, powder technology, barrel metallurgy, and projectile acceleration knowledge the M4 is getting a tuneup and 5.56 is getting overclocked.
The Solicitation
I won’t repost the official solicitation, let’s just hit the highlights
SOCOM wants a MK18 ‘esk’ carbine that can hit point targets at 600 meters. They want to do that without leaving the 5.56x45mm NATO ecosystem. They want to do it with the newer EPR style ammunition with their higher ballistic coefficients, which will also benefit the increased effective range hit probability.
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They’re also going to want suppressors on their rifles (which is also in the solicitation) in order to keep the safety factors in place for operators. Both signature and exposure dangers are reduced with a proper suppressor.
Geissele’s ‘Commercial’ HICAR
Geissele is taking the opportunity to tell everyone they’re on it. This carbine is an update of the URG-I, Upper Receiver Group – Improved topped with an improved feature lower receiver. It is finished out with the rest of their parts, which won’t necessarily be on the military rifle based upon the specifics in the solicitation. There will absolutely be differences between the HICAR’s and this carbine. No ‘clone correct’ yet, ladies and gentlemen.
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It does feature the full suite of tech, including the vital rifling and barrel steel technology.
Here’s the spec sheet:
| LENGTH COLLAPSED: | 28 1/4″ |
| LENGTH EXTENDED: | 31 1/2″ |
| WEIGHT: | Approx. 6.6 lbs |
| CALIBER: | 5.56MM |
| COLOR: | DDC (Desert Dirt Color) |
| LOWER RECEIVER: | GFR (Geissele Fighting Rifle) Ambidextrous Billet Lower |
| UPPER RECEIVER: | GFR (Geissele Fighting Rifle) Billet Upper Receiver W/ Riveted Cam Race and Fenced Bolt Catch |
| BOLT CARRIER GROUP: | Enhanced BCG for High Pressure Ammunition Applications |
| BOLT: | BB-62, Reinforced Bolt for High Pressure Ammunition Applications |
| RAIL: | 10.5″ MK24, Zero Laser Shift with Enhanced Ergonomics |
| BARREL: | 11.5″ Barrel, GZX Gain Twist 5.56 Nato, Cold Hammer Forged GNB200 Artillery Barrel Steel |
| GAS LENGTH: | Custom |
| GAS BLOCK: | Antistrike Super Compact Gas Block |
| GAS PORT SIZE: | Geissele Phased Array® w/ Geissele Tri-Port® System |
| CHARGING HANDLE: | Airborne Charging Handle (ACH®) |
| MUZZLE DEVICE: | HUXWRX Flash Hider- QD 556 |
| MUZZLE THREAD: | 5/8 x 24 |
| TRIGGER: | SSF-X |
| SAFETY: | Super Configurable Safety Selector (Optional High Speed Selector for Anti Drone Capabilities) |
| LOWER PARTS KIT: | Ultra Duty® Lower Parts Kit |
| BUFFER ASSEMBLY: | Custom |
| BUFFER TUBE: | Mil-Spec 6 Position |
| STOCK: | Magpul CTR |
| GRIP: | Geissele A17 |
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I suspect the muzzle thread listing is a typo, but it is possible they are looking for a compatibility with a specific suppressor and cross compatibility with 300BLK offerings.
Speaking of 300BLK, it would be interesting to see if hypervelocity can move this into .308 ~16-18″ performance for supersonic offerings. The challenge there would simply be an enhanced version of the current super/sub dilemma that will have to be balanced via buffering and gas. I’m curious if there is a way you could make a hybrid buffer system where the buffer mass is physically selectable. That curiosity includes significant durability questions, I suspect the best answer right now to that question is still swap buffers for the caliber in use.
What does this announcement mean?
In the grand scheme, not much. It isn’t a HICAR selection. It is a proof of concept. We know the MK1 from Son’s of Liberty was built along these lines. The Colt M5, or a variation thereof, is also a likely submission. LMT, FN, KAC, and all the usual circle of submitters are likely in the mix.
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The Geissele announcement is likely more to keep the eyes on the emergence and the names in the forefront. If they happen to sell some of these to agencies, since they’re advertising it ready to roll, then so much the better.
Read the full article here
