What is This Weapon? Lecture Notes

Introduction

Host: Jonathan
Focus: G11 Rifle, one of the rarest firearms.
Significance: Advanced Combat Rifle (ACR) designed to potentially replace the M16 A2 in the late 1980s/1990s.

Nearly final iteration, G11 ACR.
Serial number mismatch indicates assembly from two different ACR program rifles.
Provided by another collection for the episode.
Contributions from World of Guns for visual demonstrations.

Early Development
- Initial concepts from Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
- First modern caseless ammunition developments in 1959 (US) and 1961 (Germany).
- HK began collaborating with Dynamit Nobel in 1967.
Prototype Development
- Early bullpup designs.
- Focus on lightweight, high rate of fire, and closed system for dirt protection.
- 1970s: Various prototypes, development of a drum breach and caseless ammunition.

Structure
- Polymer casing with steel components.
- Integral optic with elevation control.
- Magazine moves with the barreled action.
Mechanics
- Recoiling barrel action within a sealed casing.
- Rotary drum mechanism for chambering and firing rounds.
- Complex trigger mechanism for semi, auto, and 3-round burst.
Firing System
- Caseless ammunition advantages: lower weight, smaller volume.
- Capable of 2,100 rounds per minute 3-round burst.
- Issues with magazine loading and durability.

Technical Issues
- High complexity and difficulty in understanding and assembling.
- Heat issues: risk of cook-off, evaporation of lubricant.
- 3-round burst recoil issues.
- Subpar trigger pull and cocking handle weakness.
Logistical and Operational Concerns
- Reloading challenges due to magazine design.
- Maintenance issues with lead fouling and 3,000 round chamber life.
- NATO standardization issues and German political decisions.

American ACR Trials
- ACR trials in the late 1980s; no rifle met hit probability improvements needed.
- G11 did not achieve the hoped-for revolution.
German Involvement
- Bundeswehr trials in parallel with ACR program.
- G11 formally adopted briefly before being dropped due to funding.

Pros
- Lightweight, low recoil, increased hit probability.
- Technological advancements in caseless technology.
Cons
- Complexity, high maintenance, logistical and operational challenges.
- Ultimately not feasible for military deployment.

Despite potential, caseless ammunition for military rifles is considered impractical.
HK's financial struggles and eventual buyout by Royal Ordnance.
G11 remains a historical curiosity rather than a practical military weapon.

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture on the G11 rifle, covering its development, features, challenges, and historical significance.