The 20mm ammunition can also be programmed to detonate on impact or afterwards. There's even an old-fashioned 'iron' sight for those days when the batteries let you down. BFG For a gun that size, you'd expect the OICW to be heavy. And it certainly is. That is still a huge mass to be running around a combat zone with, akin to the weapons of the First World War.
Cost is also bugbear.
Proponents of the weapon though say that it's durability and more efficient use of ammunition will save money in the long run. Anyway, the US military has never been backward about spending money and they'd much rather be buying an expensive gun for their troops than a bodybag. Assuming there are no insurmountable delays in development, the OICW is expected to be with frontline units in about 2009. Let's just hope no American schoolkids get hold of one by 2010. All rights reserved.