The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) : An advance and lethal indigenous carbine

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) : An advance and lethal indigenous carbine.

A MSMC submachine gun on display. This has a red dot sight on the upper receiver.

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) is an Indian submachine gun designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment and manufactured by Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli of the Ordnance Factories Board. It is also known as Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC) as of 2014. MSMC was born from the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) program, which originally included three weapons - the 5.56mm INSAS assault rifle, the 5.56mm INSAS squad automatic / LMG, based on the rifle, and a compact carbine. The INSAS assault rifle and LMG are already in service with Indian armed forces.

MSMC on Display During DefExpo

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine / MSMC submachine gun is intended for Indian Special Operation troops, but it also can make a good Personal Defence Weapon for vehicle and gun crews and other non-infantry personnel operating in combat zones. MSMC is a replacement for aging second World War Sterling 9mm carbine, will be issued to Officers, JCO and drivers etc. who are manning the 9mm carbine in Army.

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine / MSMC submachine gun is a gas operated weapon, utilizing rotary bolt locking and a gas piston, located above the barrel. The receiver appears to be made from sheet steel, with outer polymer housing with integral pistol grip. The magazines are inserted into the pistol grip. Buttstock is of telescoped type. Safety / fire mode selector is ambidextrous and conveniently located above the trigger. Standard iron sights are complemented by the Picatinny rail, which can host a wide array of additional day and night sighting equipment.

MSMC 

The other technologies that have been incorporated in the MSMC include a unique semi bullpup weapon feed system behind the trigger mechanism, noise reduction technology and the integration of laser spot designator for close quarte battle. The MSMC by having more compact, pistol-type layout, which also offers better balance and better manoeuvrability, especially in confined spaces. Army asked to do some improvements in the weapon. The two pin assembly, quick fitting suppressor and polymer magazines need some work. Scientists at ARDE and Small Arms Factories are working to make them even better.

The new round appears to be of same concept that experimental American Colt MARS, as it has bottlenecked case 30mm long, loaded with light, pointed bullet with steel penetrator core. The bullet weight is 2.6 gram and muzzle velocity from 300mm carbine barrel is listed as 650 m/s, resulting in muzzle energy value of 550 Joules - similar to modern pistol cartridges and can hit accurately to 200m. The cartridge, known as 5.56x30 MINSAS, offers effective range of about 200 to 300 meters, with good penetration against body armour. The aim was to defeat enemy soldiers protected with soft-body armour at a range of 200m. It can fire 700-900 rounds/min.

The ammunition for MSMC was of a conventional type with the bullet cylindro-ogival for better ballistics. A steel insert has been introduced on the tip of the bullet to achieve better penetration power and it enhanced the ammunition performance to a level superior than that of its contemporaries. The early carbines for this round, known as MINSAS, were based on the INSAS rifle, lightened and scaled down for shortened round.

MSMC During Trail With Indian Army. 

A Closer Look (Screenshot from Discovery Show)

The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) has developed the final version of the MSMC with the aid of Ordnance Factories. As of now, the Modern Sub Machine Carbine / MSMC submachine gun is in its final stages of trials by Indian military. According to ARDE, the MSMC will be given to the Armed Forces for trials in various terrains. Several tests will be carried out on this new carbine and its induction is likely in less than a year once the trials are deemed satisfactory. The DRDO's Directorate of Quality, Reliability and Safety has been placed in charge of tracking the weapon's progress. 50 MSMCs are scheduled to be issued for user trials in 2016. “Final trials are underway to ensure 99.7% reliability for the new carbine.” said an ARDE scientist.

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Credit- This article had been written by K.R. exclusively for www.DefenceNews.in

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