News:
Air Force issues a Memo April 23rd 2007 asking gun makers for input on designs for a new pistol for Airmen to replace the current M9 9mm pistol. The Air Force wants a weapon with a baseline caliber of .45, though gun is required to be reconfigurable for multiple bullet sizes. The ideal weapon would have a service life exceeding 25,000 rounds and has a grip that can be tailored for any user.
In addition, the memo set out specifications for an accompanying silencer. The device must be able to reduce discharge noise to 140 decibels at least, weigh no more than 10 ounces and have a service life of 3,000 to 10,000 rounds.
The information brought in by the memo will be used to create a request for proposals at a yet unannounced time.
The air force program comes several months after the army and Special Operations Command Canceled the Joint Combat Pistol program, which also sought to bring back the .45-caliber sidearm.
History may be repeating itself. Legendary Air Force Gen. Curtis LeMay kept interest alive in the Colt M16 rifle while the army hopelessly pursued the Springfield M14. Will the air force now usher the .45-calibre sidearm back into the inventory, with the army again forced to play follow-the-leader?
In testimony before a congressional subcommittee in February, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley testified that, in addition to funds to replace lost aircraft, the additional money would go toward “day-to-day ops and personnel costs, contracts logistics support, depot maintenance, aviation fuel, vehicles force protection and handguns,” according to a transcript of the Feb. 12 hearing.
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, told Moseley and Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne that the committee hopes to help the Air Force increase its aircraft strength.
“And one other comment, you mentioned handguns,” Murtha said, then observed that he has heard from all the services that a substitute for the Beretta may be needed because “I hear you’ve got to put two or three shots in a person before you’re able to stop them [with a Beretta].”
Noting that the Air Force has increasing numbers of airmen on the ground in Iraq, Murtha said he hopes the services can come up with something as an alternate to the Beretta.
“That may sound like a minor thing. But if you’re on the ground and somebody’s after you, it’s a pretty major ”
“Sir, it’s a big deal,” Moseley added. “If you have to pull that side arm you just as soon kill the person.”
Asked by Murtha what he carried in theater; Moseley said a .357.
“Because I figure, if I have to pull a sidearm, I really don’t want to mess [around],” he said.
Provided by AF times.
Proposed pistols:
