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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M4 SOPMOD Program (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 4/3/2006 8:37:51 PM EDT
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I've been researching the SOPMOD program. My original intent was to post just a few images but this thing keeps growing. Out of respect to individuals hard work, I want everyone to recognize the originators of the following work. 95% of the images are from multiple Power Point presentations that were created by Mr. Gus Taylor (SOPMOD Program Manager) and Barry Gatewood (MDNS Project Manager) at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center Division. You can view the entire PP presentations at the links below: SOPMOD Program Overview 2001 SOPMOD Program Development 2005 Assorted SOPMOD Data (Initial, Block I, Block I A and Future Elements) Miniature Day/Night Sight Development (MDNS) My goal here is to compile as much SOPMOD program data in one place. I have flipped through several internet links and have pulled the "important" data that most of us would typically be interested in. Also, if you would like to add to this, send me the data and/or images and I will add it under the applicable portion of the program. Enjoy. SOPMOD Carbine Improvements  M4A1Prior Modifications  Read about the high reliability magazine here: High Reliability Magazine (HRM) M4A1 New Modifications  SOPMOD Fielding Timeline  SOPMOD Accessory Kit Overview  Initial SOPMOD program:  Matech Back Up Iron Sight   Trijicon Reflex Sight  Visible Bright Light (VBL)  Knights Armament M4QD Sound Suppressor  AN/PEQ-2 Pointer Illuminator  SOPMOD Passive Day Sub-Systems (transitioning from SOPMOD to SOPMOD BLOCK I)  SOPMOD Active Aiming Sub-Systems (transitioning from SOPMOD to SOPMOD BLOCK I & II)  SOPMOD Phased Replacements Leading into Block I  SOPMOD BLOCK I  The original 'SOPMOD Block I' kit included four each of the following: Knight's Armament Company (KAC) Rail Interface System (RIS) forearm KAC's vertical foregrip KAC's backup iron sight (BUIS) Trijicon's Model TA01NSN 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) Improved combat sling which allows for secure cross body/patrol carry. Only two each of following were included per kit: Insight Technologies' AN/PEQ-2 Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser (ITPIAL) Insight Technologies' Visible Light Illuminator (VLI) Trijicon's ACOG Model RX01M4A1 reflex sight KAC's Quick Detach sound suppressor (QDSS) Enhanced sliding buttstock (Sloping Cheek Weld Stock) Only one of the following was included per kit: KAC's Quick Attach M203 Grenade Launcher Mount Quick attach sight for use with the M203 M203 with a 9-inch barrel Insight Technologies' AN/PEQ-5 visible laser Carrying/storage case for kit accessories SOPMOD Block I Prior Modifications  SOPMOD Block I New Modifications  SOPMOD Block I New Fielding Items  Block I Phased Replacements and Preliminary Block II items  Infrared Targer Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser (ITPIAL II)  Insight Technology Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a maximum $49,997,798 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a minimum of five developmental test prototypes, 10 operational test prototypes, 10 limited user test units and a maximum 25,018 production quantity of Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Lasers (ITPIAL II) and associated data. The ITPIAL II capability provides for an Advanced Target pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser that meets the Miniature Day/Night Sight requirements for ITPIAL II (AN/PEQ-2) and Carbine Visible Laser (CVL II) (AN/PEQ-5), in a single device that is half the weight, half the size, and takes up less than half the space of current AN/PEQ-2 and AN/PEQ-5 systems. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-05-D-8510). Miniature Night Vision Sight II (MNVS II)  Image-Intensified Clip-On Night Vision Device  Clip-On Night Vision Device Thermal  SOPMOD Block II Plan  SOPMOD Block II A details  Atlantic Research Marketing Systems, West Bridgewater, Mass.; Daniel Defense, Savannah, Ga.; and Knight’s Armament Co., Titusville, Fla., are each being awarded a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for a not-to-exceed task order ceiling of $16,666,666 (each) for the delivery of 92,877 (each) Rail Interface Systems II (RIS II) and associated data. Work will be performed in West Bridgewater, Mass.; Savannah, Ga.; and Titusville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with eleven offers received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (Atlantic Research Marketing Systems: N00164-05-D-4863; Daniel Defense: N00164-05-D-4864; Knight’s Armament Co.: N00164-05-D-4865). RIS II Overview  HK Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module under the Block II Plan (Thanks Redfisher for the data)   You can read about it here: HK Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module New items being assessed (tested):  SOPMOD BLOCK III Block II, VBL III: Thanks for the data 1100RT-P Insight Technology Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $32,467,941 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a minimum of 50 each Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) Visible Bright Light III (VBL III) and a maximum of 92,877 each production quantity of VBL III and associated data for the M4 Carbine in support of the United States Special Operations Command. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 2 offers received via Navy Electronic Commerce on-line and the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-05-D-8568). |
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tagged for updates. Also I'd suggest using the search feature. Cold Blue had a nice SOPMOD poster he posted here a while back that had all the KAC parts with their NSN numbers. IIRC that thread also had a similar poster with many of the proposed SOPMOD II devices. |
That would be great! I spoke with Surefire military sales today about the light, and they said the have contracts for M95, M96, M97, and M900 series lights. SF and SEAL applications, he said, often prefer the M900 series for extended auto firing, or M961/M971XM07 with IR. However, we got off track with the conversation and neglected to see about a 'standard' SOPMOD light... 
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If you look at the data I've compiled above, I draw the conclusion that the first Surefire system recognized in the SOPMOD program was in Block I (VBL II) and resembles the M96 9-volt series light. The light referenced in the Block II (VBL II PIP) resembles the smaller M95 series. There isn't a "single" light platform that you can narrow things down to. As stated in other posts, there are multiple platforms being fielded based on mission profile/MTOE. When I was in Iraq (March 2003 to July 2004) the most common light that I saw being issued under RFI was the Surefire M95 series. Hope that helps a little. 
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SgtSauer Thanks, that's pretty much the conclusion I've come to, as well. I've seen the SOPMOD stuff over the years and have read the most recent RFI docs, but thought maybe there was one being fielded more than others. On our first tour, we all used individual modified combat Surefire lights. The next tour, guys were getting the M951 series, and our guys going to Afghanistan now are getting the M961 series with IR, so I thought there was, perhaps, a progression in power and output going on... Thanks for the thread and response. |
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Block II, VBL III: Insight Technology Inc., Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $32,467,941 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a minimum of 50 each Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) Visible Bright Light III (VBL III) and a maximum of 92,877 each production quantity of VBL III and associated data for the M4 Carbine in support of the United States Special Operations Command. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 2 offers received via Navy Electronic Commerce on-line and the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-05-D-8568). |
yeah, what's the new KAC one called? MRE or something? |
After you posted this question, I found some information that you can see above under the Block II information. 3 companies are producing RIS II. Knights Armament, A.R.M.S. and Daniel Defense. |
Interesting. I saw a photo of an Insight Technologies VBL (not sure of the Roman numeral/version) and it does not resemble a Surefire - visually. Looked like a simple black tube basically. But the new one that won the contract may be entirely new. Not sure if it is 9v 6v or other. Will search NSN files and see if I can find it. |
Entries were made and awarded to: Daniel Defense Knights Armament and ARMS, Inc. To the tune of $16.7 million each Source |
They are not finished yet. USSOCOM/Crane wanted some improvements on all three systems. Second round starts in April. This is all per ColdBlue aka Lt. Col. Lutz of KAC
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It looks like the ARMS does also, at least as pictured. I was curious because of the VLTOR advertising: "The CASV-EL was designed and manufactured solely for the US Navy. After fulfilling the Navy contracts, we now offer this system to the Civilian sector." |
The original SIR does, but the new SIR entered in the RIS-II trials has a flush fit much like the URX and Troy rails. I think the navy EOD groups use the VLTOR. |
I have to assume you are in the know because the CRANE brief clearly shows it:
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I wouldn't consider myself 'in the know', but i was under the impression that the initial SIR entry was disqualified, amongst other reasons for raising the line of sight, and that the new SIR II (which was also on display at shot 06) was entered. The SIR II is a flush fit design. I'd dig up a picture but the search function isn't helping. Maybe somebody more high speed has it laying around. 
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From the website: INTRODUCING The A.R.M.S.® #50™M-CV S.I.R.® System  www.armsmounts.com/index.html |
That's the one. Looks a lot less offensive than that pig of a SIR 1, too ;) |
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Are you guys interested in seeing posted TM data on the different components? I doubt I can find everything but I was flipping through an M16/M4 TM today and saw schematics for the BUIS, Collapsable stock (not SOPMOD), M4 RIS/RAS, etc. Or, do you like the way it is set up now with just basic images? |
But one vote, but like the way you have it. (nice work) Those comments by Lt Col. Lutz (ret.) are noteworthy when discussing SOPMOD enhancements. Just because they are on the list doesn't necessarily mean they are - or will be fielded in big numbers. |
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Next scheduled SOPMOD Kit Block upgrade program Milestone is another Operational Test during mid-May outside Little Rock, AR. We have received a second order for 15/10 URX-2's (RIS-2) and BUIS-2's for delivery this month to Crane so they can modifiy Government weapons for the OT in May. I would say that DD & ARMS both have the same level of orders as well (just 10-15 pieces each). However, DD does not have a candidate BUIS-2, just their rail forend. What we are doing is addressing issues and suggestions generated by User testing at Blackwater several months ago. This OT included both SOPMOD's RIS-2 and BUIS-2 sub-elements. A comment above re: VLTOR rail system. They did not have an entry years ago when this Block-2 Solicitation was issued. So there is no geting into the game later. Same with some of the newer BUIS that have appeared in the last several years. Also, the RIS-2 illustrations shown above (particularly of the SIR model illustrated) are way out of date. Obviously the SIR is no longer a SIR as most of us recognze it (i.e., what they showed at SS 2006). It has apparently mutated into a reduced-mass clone of several other commercially successfull & available products that wrap around and secure to the host weapon barrel nut after cutting or removing the delta ring assembly while providing a FF barrel. At least this current ARMS rail appears to meet what the government asked for initially in regard to maintaining the top rail with the host weapons UR rail. So I think now in subsequent evaluations that the Government will be compairing apples to apples. Our URX-2 has not changed in regard to the Governemnt illustrations above. At least as to what one might glean from the externals. Can't coment on the DD entry as I lack any familiarity with it. Don't know about the ARMS BUIS-2 either. However, I think our BUIS-2 is a killer. |
I'm waiting for these also...I want them bad! But anyways, I had found this thread a while ago. ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=275254 I called A.R.M.S and they said it should be available at the end of this month for about $300. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M4 SOPMOD Program (Page 1 of 2)
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