The PPF XM18 is an advanced assault rifle designed to replace the M16.
The stock XM18R; note the factory-standard 50-round casket mag and the Steyr AUG-patterned sights.
Overview
The Phoenix Precision Firearms XM18 is, in essence, an updated version of the SCR rifle. Present among those changes are an ambidextrous charging handle, redesigned forend, new stock (both solid and collapsible), an advanced muzzle brake and 2 new cartridges. In contrast to the SCR, a heavy battle rifle made primarily out of metals, the XM18 is a light ASSAULT rifle composed of polymer and carbon fibre, with only the firing mechanism, gas system and barrel being made of metal. Speaking of the gas system, this rifle has 2 options - Direct Impingement or short-stroke piston. The rifle employs the Combined-Mode Bolt, a bolt which operates in open-bolt mode when in full auto, and in closed-bolt mode at all other times. This helps the rifle maintain accuracy while preventing cook-offs.
Variants
XM18R
The "R" is for "Rifle". This Variant of the weapon, shown above, is meant for marksmen and infantry soldiers. While long, the rifle more than makes up for its size with its devastating power and accuracy, while its modern solid stock absorbs most of the recoil. Like all other XM18s, this one has a muzzle brake that pushes forward and down to neutralize muzzle rise.
XM18 Commando
An extra Loki can't hurt!
The Commando is a VERY short XM18 built to feel like the Colt CAR-15 Commando: It has a short 11" barrel and a retractable stock. Due to its short barrel, it is an extremely powerful urban combat weapon. Additionally, the gas tube is thicker on this model, giving it a ludicrous rate of fire. Don't worry, the compensator eliminates muzzle rise, but you'll still get quite a pat on the shoulder. This variant in particular is the only intermediate-cartridge rifle used by the PGS, because all of their other rifles use full-powered rounds.
Ammunition
.36 Phoenix (above), .26 Phoenix (below).
There are 2 unique cartridges for the XM18: The supersonic 6.6x44mm ".26 Phoenix" and the subsonic-capable 9.1x36mm ".36 Phoenix". The former is very similar to the 6.8 SPC, but features a higher maximum chamber pressure, while the latter is the same thing necked up to take giant slow bullets. The rifle is also chambered in 6.8 SPC, 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. After the competition (where the SG-16 Aznan and its 6.5x42 NS cartridge emerged victorious), it was quickly re-adapted for the NK round, while the .26 Phoenix was scrapped before mass production could begin.
Defeat
The XM18 was beaten in the competition by another rifle, the SG-16 from NS Arms Corporation. However, due to its high performance in the competiton, it is now being fielded by multiple countries. These include Austria (Replacing the Steyr AUG), France (Replacing the FAMAS and complementing whichever rifle will be chosen in the 2017 competition), as well as Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. The "Commando" variant was also adopted by the US Army for the lack of such a short and overwhelmingly powerful rifle in the SG-16 line-up. It is regarded as the most effective MOUT rifle in the world.
Statistics
Name : XM18
Weight : R/Commando: 2.9/2 kg (unloaded), 3.5/2.6 kg (loaded)
Length : 35" (R) 20.8-28.8" (Commando)
Barrel Length : 16" (R), 11" (Commando)
Feed System: STANAG-compliant mags; factory-standard 50-round mag
Caliber : 5.56 NATO, 6.5 NS, 6.5 Grendel, .36 Phoenix, 6.8mm RemSPC, .300 BLK, .458 SOCOM, .25-45 Sharps
Muzzle Velocity : 300-1000 m/s (Depending on cartridge, load and model)
Optimal Range : 5-400 meters
Effective Range : 600 meters (point), 1000 meters (area)
Rate of Fire : 1000 RPM (R), 1200 RPM (Commando)