We have repeatedly reported the interesting, in our opinion, topic of the new primary weapon for Bundeswehr soldiers at WMASG. And yes, if you remember, the Haenel company with its MK 556 rifle was initially the winner (READ HERE).
The joy did not last long, however, as the defeated competitor, i.e. Heckler und Koch, filed an appeal, citing patent infringements on the part of Haenel (READ HERE), and the whole matter ended with the cancellation of the proceedings, the establishment of a new one and the simultaneous exclusion of Haenel from it.
Meanwhile, signs in heaven and earth indicate that it is HK that will be the beneficiary of one of the largest Bundeswehr contracts in recent years. This was indicated, among others, by Larry Vickers, the legendary Delta operator and the person who was instrumental in creating the HK416 carbine.
According to Vickers' sources, it is the HK416 in the latest A8 version that will be the successor to the HK G36 in the Bundeswehr. On his fanpage, Vickers posted a photo of the rifle in versions with a 14-inch and 16.5-inch barrel, which may suggest the options selected by the Bundeswehr.
The A8 version for BW is also distinguished by a new pistol grip with a sharper angle, a bayonet latch installed on the barrel, and an adjustable cheek pad on the butt stock, similar to the one that HK already used in the G28 models (derivative of the HK417). Polymer parts also acquired a slightly more subdued, sandy color compared to their predecessors, the color of which was almost yellow. The weapon is equipped with a handguard with an interface designed by HK, i.e. H-Key similar, but not compatible with the Key Mod system.
The trigger, safety/selector group also seems interesting. Upon closer inspection, one can see that it is similar to the system known from the MP5 submachine gun with characteristic pictograms and fire mode settings spaced every 45 degrees, unlike the previous HK416 models (modeled on the American AR15 platform) with setting every 90 degrees . As soon as the information is confirmed, we will inform you immediately.
Finally, one more information from the HK factory.
As reported by the German industry media, the company delegated employees with Russian roots who worked in strategically important departments of the company (mainly in the department where weapons are tested) to other activities within the plant. According to sources, it is less than 10 people who were surprised, disappointed and do not understand the management's decision. They justify the decision with the need to "protect their employees and their families", while rejecting the accusations of discrimination made by the relocated employees and trade unions. Georg Faigle from the trade unions stated that the bitterness of the employees was understandable, because the decision of the management board was not consulted with the unions and the company itself does not have developed procedures allowing for similar staff movements. The unionist adds that decisions should be withdrawn and the management board, in cooperation with the unions, should work out an appropriate solution to the situation. Georg Faigle emphasizes that the factory employs many valuable employees of various nationalities and each of them experiences the situation in Ukraine.
Sources: thereptilehouseblog.com, soldat-und-technik.de,popularairsoft.com, cg-haenel.de, tagesspiegel.de
