Replies to post #37554 on Liquidmetal Technologies Inc (LQMT)

[oldretiredguy]

The XM25 is having funding problems. I suspect that the program has not proceeded as fast as expected. I also suspect that the Minneapolis "sales offices" may be connected to this program. The XM25 is developed by Alliant Techsystems, located in Minnesota. It's still conjecture that LQMT is involved with XM25.

Thanks, Watts, for finding jpaige's post.

Latest news on the XM25:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XM25_CDTE

On February 2, 2013, an XM25 exploded during a live-fire training event. The primer and propellant ignited as the result of a double feed, although safety mechanisms prevented the round’s warhead from detonating. The gun was inoperable after the explosion and the soldier received minor injuries. In response, the Army removed the XM25 from service in Afghanistan. ATK noted that there were nearly 5,900 rounds fired between failures.[18]
The misfiring caused the Army to delay the decision to move the XM25 into full-rate production, pending changes to the design of the weapon and ammunition, operating procedures, and training techniques. Testing continued at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, where developers incorporated 130 design improvements. Despite the incident, Pentagon budget proposals included $69 million for 1,400 XM25 systems. The Army planned on a total of 10,876 units, two per infantry squad and one per special forces team. The post-Afghanistan strategy emphasizes the effectiveness of "the soldier and the squad."[19]
In June 2013, the Senate Armed Services Committee eliminated all funding for the 1,400 XM25 systems the Army wanted to purchase from the 2014 budget. The malfunction in February raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the weapon. The "unreliable performance" of the weapon led to funding being cut, as well as the recommendation to review alternative air-burst weapon systems.[4]
In August 2013, the Army revealed that the XM25 may move to low-rate initial production (LRIP) by August 2014. The weapon is currently in the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase and not yet ready for fielding. By August 2014, it is expected to reach milestone C, starting LRIP for 1,100 weapons and needed ammunition. Low-rate production would lead to type-classification, resulting in removing the "X" from its designation. Improvements are being made concerning the fire control system, battery life, weight, and magazine size. Following milestone C in 2014, the system will go through initial operational tests and live-fire tests in 2015. The XM25 is expected to be combat-ready by the end of 2015, and be fielded with all brigade combat teams, as well as the Army Special Operations Command, Special Forces detachments, and Ranger Regiments. Automated production will reduce the price of the system to $35,000 for the weapon and fire control system, and $55 per round.[20]

Published on Aug 21, 2013
The XM25, designed by Minnesota's Alliant Techsystems, has been in development for about seven years