>>64400838
The weapon platforms are interesting, but the cartridge itself is a step in the wrong direction. Not a dumpster fire like the NGSW, but still less than ideal. What's disappointing is that they could have made a straight upgrade if they had turned some knobs. All it needs to do is:
>be the same weight as 5.56 or lighter (very very important)
>2900+ FPS from a 16" bbl
>long, aerodynamic bullet
The best ways of achieving this are higher pressures, new cases, and very light bullets like the M855A1 and Hornady's ELD-VT.
However, with some compromise such a cartridge could be developed for use in bog-standard M4s, maybe after rebarreling them, which is one of the reasons I endorse CT and potentially why FN couldn't come out with something like this. It would be perceived as too similar to 77gr SMK and thus hinder potential acquisition. IMO the IWS offers a clearly distinct capability, even though I doubt its usefulness for infantry.