Macclesfield-based company Edgar Brothers has been awarded a contract worth £90 million to supply the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) with the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) System, following a highly competitive trial process.
The new rifle will provide UK troops with an improved lethal capability on the battlefield.
Noteworthy, up to 10,000 weapons could be procured over the next 10 years.
The Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system – known as the L403A1 and procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) under Project HUNTER – is made up of a new assault rifle fitted with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system.
The AIW is a modern rifle using the latest in design technology and manufacturing methods, to produce an exceptionally reliable and accurate weapon.
The magnified optic means the user is able to engage threats from greater distances; whilst the signature reduction system works to mask the AIW from detection from sight and hearing.
Noteworthy, the rifle is manufactured by Knights Armament Corporation (US) and the magnified optic sight is manufactured Vortex Optics (US).
Further, the AIW will consist of three elements:
- Rifle System: Rifle and Signature Reduction System
- Optic System: Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), Mini Red Dot (RDS) and Emergency Back Up Sight (EBS)
- Training System: Safe Blank Firing System (SBFS) and Marker Round Training System (MRTS)
In addition, as the Prime Contractor and UK Distributors, Edgar Brothers will be utilising a range of battle-proven products from suppliers from around the world to deliver the chosen solution.
These include:
- Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) and their KS-1 Rifle, PRT suppressors, and Safe Blank Firing System (SBFS)
- Vortex Optics and their 1-10x LPVO
- Aimpoint and their ACRO P-2 MRD
- Reptilia and their AUS Mount, ROF 90 Mount, Dot Mount & various other accessories
- Magpul and their PMAG, MBUS PRO EBS and other accessories
- Simunition and their line of FX Conversion Kits and PPE to work with the in-service MRTS ammunition
Notably, Edgar Brothers (trading as Ian Edgar LTD) are the UK based prime contractor, who are responsible for sourcing and assembling the sub-systems that make up the Hunter system.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/90-million-contract-equips-armed-forces-with-advanced-new-rifle
