Overview:The Shrec Advanced Weapon System comprises a family of weapons designed to address all of the needs of a modern infantry squad. The Shrec Advanced Weapon System includes a compact carbine, a standard carbine, a designated marksman and an automatic rifle. This goal was to develop a modular weapon system using the CL6.3 - 40 round that would be lighter weight, have improved reliability and greater lethality then existing systems.
The key advantages of The Shrec Advanced Weapon System include:
* Tactical flexibility. The Shrec Advanced Weapon System is designed to allow the use of different barrels and other modules that can be swapped quickly depending on operational requirements.
* Unified caliber. The same basic caliber (6.3mm x 40mm) is used throughout the entire weapon range, from compact carbines that function as PDWs to machineguns. This allows every soldier to use any magazine and greatly simplifies logistics.
* Lighter Weight. The Shrec Advanced Weapon System is on average 45% lighter than comparable weapon systems using cased ammunition. As a result soldiers can carry more ammunition into combat. Less weight means greater mobility and survivability for soldiers. Advanced materials further lower the weight of the weapon while increasing the weapons durability.
* Active recoil system. The Shrec Advanced Weapon System includes a gas-operated system that uses a floating rear recoil system. This makes the weapon extremely accurate and controllable even during automatic fire.
* A comprehensive accessory system. Shrec Advanced Weapon System has 3 to 6 Combat Accessory Attachment Points for external accessories. An appropriately wide selection of accessories is offered, ranging from electronic scopes to side loading grenade launchers.
Currently the Advanced Weapon System includes:
- AWS Designated Marksman Rifle
- AWS Tactical Carbine
- AWS Compact Carbine
- AWS Automatic Rifle
HistoryShrec Ballistic Systems has been involved in a great deal of research involving monolithic-solid, liquid monopropellant and binary liquid propellants. Of particular interest was the work performed on the so called superguns for the Libertarian Governance nuclear weapons program and with advanced artillery rounds. Like many firearm designers it was evident that a major change in firearm capability and effectiveness was going to come about short term by a change in the ammunition.
Looking at the history of firearm development one could see the evolution from wheellocks to percussion caps to cartridges for example. Along with the improvement in the design of the round came a corresponding improvement in accuracy and lethality.
Shrec decided that it would move the Advanced Weapons System forward by utilizing a new case-less cartridge. The companies pioneering efforts had led to the development of a case-less propellant that was in fact a desensitized high explosive similar to Semtex, carefully formulated to generate progressive burning rather than a sudden pressure peak. The resulting monolithic-grain propellant was closer to a solid rocket propellant grain than a powder charge. This propellant, HITP3, showed great muzzle velocity but it had problems with moisture and handling when mated to the early rifle prototypes.
Numerous problems appeared during testing of the earliest prototypes. The high velocity of the rounds caused high wear on the barrels, heat in the chamber was another problem making the weapons prone to cooking off rounds, and the ammunition was both fragile and affected by moister making handling and storage a nightmare.
Gunther Janke, a senior engineer at Shrec who was involved in the companies rail gun development efforts at the time, came up with an extreme solution during a discussion with project leader Mark Meyers. According to Janke the problem wasn't using a case-less munition but it was using a case-less munition in what was still a largely conventional weapon and further trying to use an unconventional round in a conventional fashion. Janke advocated the use of exotic materials and processes coupled with a reformulation of the round to take advantage of plasma ignition with the goal of squeezing every bit of muzzle velocity out of the round.
Mark Meyers had Janke transferred to the Advanced Weapon Project and within six months the company fielded a revolutionary design as prototype 3. Prototype 3 was aided by the LGDF having captured a large number of Brotherhood of Steel R2 rifles during an attack on a slave state. These rifles were reversed engineered and the lessons learned from their design aided Gunther and his team in developing their own unique solutions.
The new design had a slightly redesigned action and used exotic materials and processes to take full advantage of the high muzzle velocities possible with monograin propellants. Utilizing barrels with refractory metal composite liners of molybdenum-rhenium (Mo-Re) and titanium overwrapping the AWS took the firearm to a new level of lethality and reliability.
The first public trials of prototype 3 left members of the Libertarian Governance government and military wide mouthed and shocked as Gunther Janke fired the AWS one handed on full auto. Not only did the weapon show an outstanding level of control but the exceptionally high fire rate and the high velocity of the rounds were so great that STANAG level II armored plate was literally cut to shreds.
DesignThe materials used to build the AWS result in an extremely rugged weapon. The ergonomics are enhanced by placing the magazine at the weapons center of gravity. Integrated as standard equipment is a 3.5x electronic red dot scope which includes both an IR laser and pointer. Other improvements include an electronic bullet counter that shows the number of rounds available in a magazine at any given time and a dataport that allows for a hardwired connection by fiber optic cabling to a HUD type combat helmet or other device.
The AWS has fully ambidextrous operating controls to include a centrally located charging handle that doubles as an ambidextrous forward assist by insuring alignment of chamber, barrel and firing system when required, ambidextrous magazine release, safety/selector lever with safe, semi and full automatic 1 and full automatic 2 modes of fire and release lever for the multiple position collapsible stock.
The operating controls allow the operator to keep the firing hand on the pistol grip and the weapon in the firing position at all times while the non-firing hand actuates the charging handle and magazine during loading and clearing. The floating rear active recoil system reduces the felt recoil from the high velocity rounds substantially resulting in improved accuracy across all firing modes.
The basic strength of the design is the ability to buy one weapon that performs every function needed by the infantry squad. By simply changing barrels, a few internal components and exterior accessories the basic Designated Marksman rifle can be configured as a compact carbine, a carbine or an automatic rifle. Not only does this allow greater tactical versatility but it also facilitates quick repairs in the field.
MechanismThe AWS uses a twin chamber rotating breech. The entire action is powered by gas drive, which has annual gas piston, located around the barrel. With the chamber empty the rifle is manually cocked for the first shot. In this position the chamber block is in its lowest position, aligned with the topmost round in magazine. A loading piston feeds the first round rearward from the magazine and into the rotating breech. The breech then rotates 180 degrees clockwise and aligns itself with the barrel. This completes the chambering of the round and charging of the electric firing pin.
Once the trigger is pulled the electronic firing system ignites the high temperature propellant. As the bullet begins accelerating up the barrel, recoil forces drive the barrel, chamber and operating mechanism rearwards within the weapon. This begins to put a load on the twin recoil springs. Simultaneously the rearward travel presses against a plunger that drives a small though highly efficient electrical generator. This plunger captures kinetic energy, or the energy of motion, from the movement of the recoil system and charges the weapons electrical system. The rear floating recoil system dissipates energy for single shot and fully automatic modes.
Gas tapped off from the barrel rotates the breech and actuates the loading mechanism then rotates the breech 180 degrees clockwise until it is lined up with the feed mechanism and the process repeats.
During a jam or misfire the charging handle is used to load a new round and simultaneously, the misfired round is pushed rearward out of the chamber and when cleared from the chamber, the round simply falls down out of the rifle via the ejection port. The ejection port is located just behind the trigger and can be set to eject right or left.
Plasma Ignition SystemA Plasma ignition system delivers energy to a small discharge cavity located in the tip of the igniter. When a discharge is initiated, the air within the cavity are ionized and expand. The pressure increase caused by the expanding ionized gas emits a jet of plasma from a small opening in the cavity. This plasma contacts the rear of the case-less round igniting the booster charge.
The use of Plasma as the ignition source has several advantages for a case-less weapon. First, the ammunition as is the case in the AWS can be made insensitive and will only ignite at very high temperatures. This is important due to the high heat inherent in case-less systems, especially on automatic fire. Other big improvements a lock time that is almost instant and a perfect and safe trigger with no creep, no perceptible travel and consistent break.
Electrical SystemThe electrical system of the Shrec Advanced Weapon System is designed to provide enough power internally to charge its electronic firing pin after each shot and to keep both the integrated scope and exhaust fan functioning. The Shrec does this by harnessing the wasted energy of the rifles recoil process to produce energy. As the rifle recoils the floating internal mechanism pushes against a spring loaded plunger. This plunger is attached to an internal generator and its movement causes a magnet to rotate inside of a coil of wires.
The resulting action is the generation of more energy than is consumed during the firing of the electronic ignition system. Surplus energy charges a matrix of supercapacitors that are installed within the weapon. Firing a magazine of CL6.3-40 rounds will produce enough stored energy to keep the weapon and its scope operating for a full day.
An auxiliary lithium-titanate battery can be installed into the bottom of the pistol grip. When installed this battery will be constantly charged by the internal generator. The system is designed so that battery power will operate the weapon even in the event of a failure elsewhere in the electrical system. The batteries are rapidly replaceable.
In addition to the batteries the AWS can be manually charged by using the charging handle. When the charging handle is pulled it compresses the charging systems plunger which in turn provides a charge to activate the firing system.
Weapon ConstructionCarbon fiber is used in the weapons stock, receiver, handguards and pistol grip to reduce overall weight. The receiver while being largely composed of CFRP and uses low alloy steels in critical areas. The twin chamber rotating breech is composed of a low alloy chromium-molybdenum steel. The resulting chamber is fairly light weight, high strength and capable of handling the high heat environment of the case-less weapon system.
Standard gun steel and chromium plated gun steel barrels suffer from several disadvantages. They possess high weight, have poor thermal management, and suffer from microcracks and porosity in the electro deposited chromium that allow hot propellant gas to degrade the steel. The barrels and liners also suffer erosion effects when hyper velocity rounds and high rates of fire are present. These are major contributors to the cost of firearms ownership by any military.
The Shrec Advanced Weapon System in all configurations use heavy fluted barrels composed of a liner of molybdenum-rhenium (Mo-Re) which is mated to titanium. The barrel manufacturing process begins when molybdenum-rhenium rods composed of 47.5% Mo are deep hole drilled using electrical discharge machining. The drilling accomplishes two things. First it adds the cooling system to the barrel liner. This cooling system is composed of 25 half circle longitudinal channels drilled into the liner. The Titanium is then added to the Mo-Re rod by Plasma Transfer Arc Spray. The barrel is then deep hole drilled to form, the bore.
The rifling is then added. The Shrec uses a polygonal rifling which provides a number of advantages, These include not compromising the barrel's thickness in the area of each groove, a better gas seal around the projectile as polygonal bores tend to have a slightly smaller bore area, which translates into more efficient use of the combustion gases trapped behind the bullet, greater consistency in muzzle velocities, less bullet deformation, resulting in reduced drag on the bullet when traveling through the barrel which helps to increase muzzle velocity, less buildup of debris in the barrel and prolonged barrel life due to lower barrel stress. An integrated flash suppressor is included.
The Shrec case features quick release bolts that remain in place when unlocked on many external components. This provides for very quick break down of the weapon into its separate components. Internally, replaceable systems are removable in modules. These modules can be replaced with other modules that make for fast configuration changes.
In order to mount attachments the Shrec AWS uses a proprietary rail system called Combat Attachment Points. The CAPs are designed for mounting auxiliary equipment such as telescopic sights, tactical lights, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, reflex sights, foregrips, bipods, and bayonets. CAPs uses the top surface of the rail for the alignment and reference of the accessory which provides excellent repeatability. Meaning that once a scope is zeroed, for example, it can be removed. When the scope is later replaced on the weapon there will be no need to re-zero the scope.
Active Cooling:Heat is handled in several ways within the Shrec AWS. First there is the fluted barrel design. The fluted barrel will definitely dissipate heat quickly. This is due to the heat being allowed to reach the outside temperature at a faster rate by removing materials. But the real cooling is provided by a recirculating liquid cooling system filled with ethylene glycol. This may sound sophisticated but it is actually a miniature version of the integral midwall cooling systems used on heavy artillery guns such as the LG Defense Systems Warhammer.
Its simple, the circumferentially spaced cooling channels are drilled into the liner during the barrel build process using electrical discharge machining. The liner has a circumferentially located annular space front and rear that intersect the cooling channels. These are also placed by EDM and further connect to radially inwardly projecting ports extending from the titanium jacket.
This is an integrated assembly due to the application of titanium through the plasma transfer arc spray process. Titanium is further built up along the surface to form a fitting to which braided steel hose is attached. The hoses connect to the radiator/heat exchanger built into a space over the barrel and chamber. The heat exchanger features copper fins and a pump driven by the weapons recoil energy.
The Shrec then uses airflow optimization to supply cool air to the hot components as directly as possible. A near silent fluid bearing fan is mounted at the front of the radiator to blow extract hot air out the weapon and away at the front of the receiver. With the air flowing rear to front the hot chamber air is also evacuated by the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan activates by temperature sensor and it can be cut off by a switch at the bottom of the receiver. The weapons floating recoil system helps to evacuate propellant heat from the chambers of the rotating breech during its movement.
Finally, there are two finishing touches added to the rifle. The first is our patented AC-3 dry lubricant system that is used to coat all internal parts and the barrel. AC-3 is the controlled atmospheric application of a proprietary formulated, modified tungsten disulfide. When the tungsten disulfide is applied in lamellar form through our precision process it forms a thin, uniform coating that forms a molecular bond with the substrate, and will not chip, flake or peel. It is inert,inorganic, non-toxic, non-corrosive and resistant to most petrochemical fuels, solvents and acids. Yet it is compatible will all wet lubricants. The final addition to the rifle is the external finish which is a ceramic powder coating which can be matched to any camouflage pattern desired.
The Shrec Advanced Weapon System Includes:
1 - Designated Marksman Rifle
1 - 12.5 inch barrel w/ gas system and carbine internal modules
1 - 9 inch barrel w/ gas system
1 - folding stock
1 - handguard w/ integral bipod and increased cooling capacity
1 - compact carbine handguard
1 - receiver butt cap
1 - 3.5x Scope
1 - tritium front and rear sights
1 - Lithium titanate battery
1 - bayonet
1 - cleaning kit
1 - 3 point tactical sling
1 - 120 round duel drum magazine - clear rear
1 - 50 round four row box magazine - clear rear
Detailed Specifications - Designated MarksmanLength, with folding stock: 787.4 mm (31 inches)
Length, maximum: 1,041 mm (41 inches)
Weight, empty: 3.7 kg
Weight, with scope, loaded with 50 rounds: 4.5 kg
Barrel length: 508 mm (20 inches)
Rounds supported: CL6.3 x 40
Fire modes: Safety, semi-auto, Burst auto 1, full auto 1.
Selector type: 4-position main lever switch
Rate of fire:
Single Shot: 54 rpm
Full Auto 1: 450 rpm
Burst Auto 1: 1800 rpm; 3 round
Accuracy at 100 m : 0.9 MOA
Effective Range: 800 meters
Maximum Effective Range: 1,234.44 meters (1350 yards)
Armor penetration at 500m; 30 degrees: STANAG level II with dedicated AP Round
Muzzle velocity: 1075.9 m/s (3530 fps)
Bullet Weight: 7.777 grams (120 grains)
Muzzle energy: 4502 joules (3320 ft lbs energy)
Detailed Specifications - Automatic RifleLength, with folding stock: 787.4 mm (31 inches)
Length, maximum: 1,041 mm (41 inches)
Weight, empty: 3.9 kg
Weight, with scope, loaded with 50 rounds: 4.7 kg
Barrel length: 508 mm (20 inches)
Rounds supported: CL6.3 x 40
Fire modes: Safety, full auto 1, full auto 2.
Selector type: 3-position main lever switch
Rate of fire:
Full Auto 1: 450 rpm
Full Auto 2: 1800 rpm
Accuracy at 100 m : 1.3 MOA
Effective Range: 800 meters
Maximum Effective Range: 1,234.44 meters (1350 yards)
Armor penetration at 500m; 30 degrees: STANAG level II with dedicated AP Round
Muzzle velocity: 1075.9 m/s (3530 fps)
Bullet Weight: 7.777 grams (120 grains)
Muzzle energy: 4502 joules (3320 ft lbs energy)
Detailed Specifications - CarbineLength, with folding stock: 597.4 mm (23.50 inches)
Length, maximum: 851 mm (33.50 inches)
Weight, empty: 3.7 kg
Weight, with scope, loaded with 50 rounds: 4.5 kg
Barrel length: 318 mm (12.52 inches)
Rounds supported: CL6.3 x 40
Fire modes: Safety, semi-auto, full auto 1
Selector type: 3-position main lever switch
Rate of fire:
Single Shot: 54 rpm
Full Auto 1: 550 rpm
Accuracy at 100 m : 1.2 MOA
Effective Range: 400 meters
Maximum Effective Range: 1234.44 meters (1350 yards)
Armor penetration at 500m; 30 degrees: STANAG level II with dedicated AP Round
Muzzle velocity: 940 m/s (3084 fps)
Bullet Weight: 7.777 grams (120 grains)
Muzzle energy: 3436 joules (2534 lbs ft energy)
Detailed Specifications - Compact CarbineLength, with folding stock: 508.4 mm (20.01 inches)
Length, maximum: 762 mm (30inches)
Weight, empty: 3.5 kg
Weight, with scope, loaded with 50 rounds: 4.3 kg
Barrel length: 229 mm (9.02 inches)
Rounds supported: CL6.3 x 40
Fire modes: Safety, semi-auto, full auto 1
Selector type: 3-position main lever switch
Rate of fire:
Single Shot: 54 rpm
Full Auto 1: 550 rpm (
Not recommended)
Accuracy at 100 m : 1.5 MOA
Effective Range: 400 meters
Maximum Effective Range: 914.4 meters (1000 yards)
Armor penetration at 500m; 30 degrees: STANAG level II with dedicated AP Round
Muzzle velocity: 829 m/s (2718 fps)
Bullet Weight: 7.777 grams (120 grains)
Muzzle energy: 2670 joules (1969 lbs ft of energy)
Available 6.3 x 40mm AmmunitionM901The cartridge is intended for use against personnel and light armored targets. This is a training standard round used in both training and combat.The M901 cartridge uses a 120-grain bullet with gilded copper-jacket and a solid lead core behind a stacked-cone tungsten carbide penetrator. The round is excellent against light armored targets while still affording significant expansion in soft tissue. The HITP3A propellant is a formulation using 80% HMX with an elastomer binder in a hydrophobic polymer.
M903The cartridge is intended for use against personnel and unarmored targets. This is a training standard round used in both training and combat. The M903 features a 120-grain skived tipped bullet with a progressively tapered copper jacket that is locked to a solid lead core to promote a perfectly controlled 2X expansion and high weight retention upon impact. The M903 bullet retains up to 95% of its original weight with maximum penetration and energy transfer. The HITP3A propellant is a formulation using 80% HMX with an elastomer binder in a hydrophobic polymer.
M905The tracer is intended to permit visible observation of the bullet's in-flight path or trajectory to the point of impact. Its main uses are for observation of fire, incendiary effect, and signaling. This is a training standard round used in both training and combat. The M905 delivers a visible green light signature through its trajectory. The M905 features a 120-grain skived tipped bullet with a progressively tapered copper jacket that is locked to a solid lead core to promote a perfectly controlled 2X expansion and high weight retention upon impact. The M903 bullet retains up to 95% of its original weight with maximum penetration and energy transfer. The HITP3A propellant is a formulation using 80% HMX with an elastomer binder in a hydrophobic polymer.
M907The cartridge is intended for use against personnel and unarmored targets. This is a training standard round used in both training and combat. The M907 features a 100 -grain bullet with a special thin-wall jacket, precision compressed lead shot core and soft polymer tip providing optimum balance between penetration and fragmentation. The round maximizes stopping power by the complete dispersal of the bullet energy into the intended target with immediate shock and tissue destroying trauma. This rapid fragmentation delivers the energy to a large area while eliminating the dangers of over penetration. The HITP3A propellant is a formulation using 80% HMX with an elastomer binder in a hydrophobic polymer.
Price: NS $12,000
DPR: NS $ 100,000,000,000
DPR includes DPR on caseless ammunition.
Orders of 100,000 rifles include DPR on all ammunition.
Thanks to V-10 and Everyone at the HighTech Forums for their help in this design.