XM29 OICW

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	Weapon: XM29 OICW Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 2000 Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 1020.0 Weight (kg): 7.00 Effective Range (m): 1500

The XM29 OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) was an ambitious developmental program by the United States military to create a next-generation weapon system combining a 5.56mm kinetic energy rifle with a 20mm airburst grenade launcher. Designed by Alliant Techsystems and Heckler & Koch, the XM29 aimed to provide infantry soldiers with a versatile weapon capable of engaging targets both directly and indirectly. The airburst grenade launcher incorporated an advanced fire control system with integrated optics, rangefinding, and targeting, enabling soldiers to detonate grenades above or behind cover.

Despite its innovative features, the XM29 faced significant challenges during development, including excessive weight, cost, and complexity. While exact production numbers were limited to prototypes, the program represented a substantial investment in research and development during the 1990s and early 2000s. The project was eventually canceled in 2004, with its components split into separate systems for further refinement, such as the XM25 CDTE (Counter Defilade Target Engagement System) and the XM8 lightweight assault rifle.

The XM29 OICW gained notoriety for its groundbreaking yet controversial design, becoming a symbol of both the possibilities and pitfalls of advanced weapon systems development. While it never entered service, the program influenced subsequent advancements in infantry weapon technology, particularly in smart munitions and integrated targeting systems. Its legacy is a testament to the military's pursuit of technological innovation, even when faced with significant technical and practical obstacles.