POTD: FN America LICC IWS

Is this the next FN SCAR? No, it’s not. The IWS (Individual Weapon System) is an entirely new weapon, distinct from the SCAR family. It uses a long-stroke gas piston operating system, which reduces recoil and places less strain on the internal components. The IWS will likely be offered in additional calibers, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 6.5 mm Creedmoor as the development and customer interest grows and continues.

The IWS is chambered for the LICC, a .264 (6.5 x 43mm) round originally developed by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) at Fort Benning, GA, and later optimized by FNA’s team.

I cannot be alone in getting some U.S. NGSW (Next Generation Squad Weapon) vibes? The LICC ammunition should work in FN’s machine guns as well. The British Army’s FN MAG could be in need of replacement, and if they hadn’t chosen the KS-1 this could have been an interesting alternative. It seems to have no 6.8×51 capability, but I’m pretty sure the LICC .264 will be very close and I’m guessing at a fraction of the price?

Image source: FN America