The Heckler & Koch XM8 is a lightweight assault rifle system developed from the late 1990s to early 2000s. The rifle was designed by German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K), and shares design and engineering with their G36 rifle.

Oct 22, 2020 · The XM8 was one of these rifles developed by H&K in the early 2000s as one of a number of alternatives to the M-16 and its derivative M4 carbine. Born as a scaled-down replacement for another H&K prototype — the XM29 — the XM8 entered a limited production run in 2003, concluding just two years later.

Aug 16, 2023 · The Heckler & Koch HK XM8 was an experimental modular assault rifle system that underwent trials with the US Army in an effort to become its next standard-issue assault weapon system. The firearm was to replace the long-running Colt M16 rifle and M4 carbine forms.

Apr 30, 2020 · Heckler and Koch did refine the design into a sleeker, futuristic-looking package. The final XM8 prototype design, though formally designated as a carbine, was actually an impressive modular firearms concept that was in many ways ahead of its time.

Dec 3, 2022 · HK delivered 30 prototypes of the XM8 in November 2003 for testing. Like the G36, this was a gas-operated rifle with a short-stroke gas piston. Another 200 were subsequently ordered for testing. At this point, the M16 was still fairly common as an infantry rifle. The M4 was establishing some dominance, but 20-inch barrels ruled the roost.

Dec 14, 2024 · The XM29 was the first prototype developed under the OICW program. It was a bullpup design, with the grenade launcher mounted on top of the rifle. The weapon was designed to be modular, with the ability to change configurations depending on the mission.

Oct 22, 2015 · Learn more about the XM8 Armored Gun System prototype that was to replace the M551 Sheridan in American service

By 2010, the Royal Malaysian Navy special forces known as PASKAL began using the XM8 Prototypes along with other Heckler & Koch assault rifles including the HK416 and G36. A major innovation is the new mounting system, called Picatinny Combat Attachment Points [2] or PCAP.

Jun 18, 2013 · Before XM8 was completed as a prototype it had undergone 4 radical redesigns and most every part in the two weapons were no longer interchangeable. For the most part the only key G36 parts used in the final XM8 prototypes was the magazine and bolt.

Feb 17, 2018 · Born as a scaled-down replacement for another H&K prototype — the XM29 — the XM8 entered a limited production run in 2003, concluding just two years later. Like the M-16 and M4 platforms, the XM8 also utilized the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO round.