Modular Handgun System
Encyclopedia
The Modular Handgun System (MHS) is a U.S. military
competition for a new handgun
. The Modular Handgun System is anticipated to be the next U.S. military standard side arm
replacing the M9 pistol
.
is currently adopting requirements for the Modular Handgun System (MHS) that will initiate a handgun competition to replace the M9 pistol
. The Army requires the MHS to be more effective, accurate, and reliable than the M9 pistol
.
The MHS requirement calls for a non-caliber specific weapon with modular features to allow for the adaption of different fire control devices, pistol grip
s, and alternate magazine options. The weapon will fit various hand sizes and will mount targeting enablers using Picatinny rail
s. The new weapon will incorporate detection avoidance by having a non-reflective neutral color and will be operable with sound and flash suppressor
kit in place.
in 2008. It has received Joint Requirements Oversight Council
(JROC) validation. The MHS program will select a commercial off-the-shelf handgun in financial year (FY) 2011–2012. Testing will be completed by FY2013 and Type Classification is expected in FY2014. The MHS will replace the M9 pistol on a one-for-one basis.
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
competition for a new handgun
Handgun
A handgun is a firearm designed to be held and operated by one hand. This characteristic differentiates handguns as a general class of firearms from long guns such as rifles and shotguns ....
. The Modular Handgun System is anticipated to be the next U.S. military standard side arm
Side arm
A side arm is a weapon, usually a pistol but can be a dagger, as used in pre-modern times, which is worn on the body in a holster to permit immediate access and use. A side arm is typically required equipment for military personnel and sometimes carried by law enforcement personnel...
replacing the M9 pistol
M9 Pistol
The Beretta M9, formally Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9, is a 9×19mm Parabellum pistol of the United States military adopted in 1985. It is essentially a military specification Beretta 92F, later the 92FS....
.
Requirements
The U.S. ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
is currently adopting requirements for the Modular Handgun System (MHS) that will initiate a handgun competition to replace the M9 pistol
M9 Pistol
The Beretta M9, formally Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9, is a 9×19mm Parabellum pistol of the United States military adopted in 1985. It is essentially a military specification Beretta 92F, later the 92FS....
. The Army requires the MHS to be more effective, accurate, and reliable than the M9 pistol
M9 Pistol
The Beretta M9, formally Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9, is a 9×19mm Parabellum pistol of the United States military adopted in 1985. It is essentially a military specification Beretta 92F, later the 92FS....
.
The MHS requirement calls for a non-caliber specific weapon with modular features to allow for the adaption of different fire control devices, pistol grip
Pistol grip
On a firearm or other tool, the pistol grip is that portion of the mechanism that is held by the hand and orients the hand in a forward, vertical orientation, similar to the position one would take with a conventional pistol such as the M1911....
s, and alternate magazine options. The weapon will fit various hand sizes and will mount targeting enablers using Picatinny rail
Picatinny rail
The Picatinny rail or MIL-STD-1913 rail or STANAG 2324 rail or a "Tactical Rail" is a bracket used on some firearms in order to provide a standardized mounting platform. A similar system is the Weaver rail mount.-Description:...
s. The new weapon will incorporate detection avoidance by having a non-reflective neutral color and will be operable with sound and flash suppressor
Suppressor
A suppressor, sound suppressor, sound moderator, or silencer, is a device attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm which reduces the amount of noise and flash generated by firing the weapon....
kit in place.
Development
The requirement for the new pistol originated with the MHS program initiated by the Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
in 2008. It has received Joint Requirements Oversight Council
Joint Requirements Oversight Council
Part of the United States Department of Defense acquisition process, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council reviews programs designated as JROC interest and supports the acquisition review process in accordance with law...
(JROC) validation. The MHS program will select a commercial off-the-shelf handgun in financial year (FY) 2011–2012. Testing will be completed by FY2013 and Type Classification is expected in FY2014. The MHS will replace the M9 pistol on a one-for-one basis.