M-4A1 Carbine SOPMOD 5.56mm
M-4A1 Carbine 5.56mm Special-Operations Peculiar-Modified (SOPMOD)
The 5.56mm M-4 Carbine was enhanced to enable the individual Special Operations Forces (SOF) soldier to tailor the configuration of the weapon to the assigned mission and operational environment. When fitted with the Knight's Armament Corporation M4 Rail Accessory System (Picatinny type or MilSpec 1913), the M-4A1 Carbine becomes the M-4A1 Modular Weapon System (MWS). The SOF standardized accessories kit is known as the Special Operation Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD). M-4A1 Carbine SOPMOD Components
The joint service M-4A1 SOPMOD program is managed by the Program Management Office at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Crane, IN. While the components of the SOPMOD M4 Accessory Kit (Block I) will change as technology and requirements shift, the chart above shows the range of options available to the warfighter as of April 2006. The most important feature is the high degree of configurability so the soldier has standardized, versatile weapons accessories available to meet needs across SOF mission scenarios. These accessories increase operator survivability and lethality by enhanced weapon performance, target acquisition, signature suppression, and fire control. SOPMOD Flash and Noise SuppressorThe SOPMOD Kit includes a suppressor and muzzle brake used to decrease M-4A1 Carbine flash and sound during firing without significantly changing the point of impact. The purpose of the suppressor is to increase the difficulty in locating the position from which the live fire occurred. The noise of firing is reduced by about 30 decibels. The suppressor is designed to function wet and a little water (two to five cc's) will further reduce noise and first-round flash. Testing has shown that water in the suppressor does not interfere with the weapon, unless large quantities are present while the weapon is carried level or pointed up. The manufacturer recommends to add water from the rear just before installing the suppressor on the weapon. If the suppressor is already mounted, the weapon can be dipped into water then shaken out while pointed straight down. Military Use of Sound Suppressors / Silencers is described on the linked page. Find More Information on the InternetThere are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there. For good results, try entering this: sopmod. Then click the Search button. |
