Talyn
Emissary
The U.S. Army inked partnerships with Geissele Automatics and Carpenter Technology to develop next-generation small arms barrels using GNB 200 alloy and a new rifle profile. The partnerships, formalized through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) signed in 2022, aim to solve barrel wear and durability problems created by higher-pressure ammunition in modern weapon systems.
Next-generation weapons operate at significantly higher pressures than legacy platforms, which accelerates barrel wear, corrosion, and pressure buildup. The Army also needed to eliminate hazardous hexavalent chromium coatings traditionally used in military barrels. The GNB 200 alloy and new profile address both problems.
Geissele handled the manufacturing side. The company cold-hammer forged the barrels, directed coating alternatives and specifications, conducted performance testing, and developed manufacturability parameters. Carpenter Technology developed the GNB 200 alloy formulation and provided material samples for testing.
The F41A21/18 rifle profile, developed collaboratively with Geissele, reduces wear and improves dispersion. The profile received a patent in October 2025.
www.thefirearmblog.com
Next-generation weapons operate at significantly higher pressures than legacy platforms, which accelerates barrel wear, corrosion, and pressure buildup. The Army also needed to eliminate hazardous hexavalent chromium coatings traditionally used in military barrels. The GNB 200 alloy and new profile address both problems.
Geissele handled the manufacturing side. The company cold-hammer forged the barrels, directed coating alternatives and specifications, conducted performance testing, and developed manufacturability parameters. Carpenter Technology developed the GNB 200 alloy formulation and provided material samples for testing.
GNB 200 Alloy and the F41A21/18 Profile
GNB 200 is described as a "premium remelted alloy steel specially formulated for high temperature wear resistance" that offers higher tensile strength and improved wear resistance compared to legacy barrel materials. The alloy operates near the upper limit of what can be reliably cold-hammer forged, which is where Geissele's expertise comes in.The F41A21/18 rifle profile, developed collaboratively with Geissele, reduces wear and improves dispersion. The profile received a patent in October 2025.
Army, Geissele, Carpenter Partner on Next-Gen Barrels
The U.S.Army inked partnerships with Geissele Automatics and Carpenter Technology to develop next-generation small arms barrels using GNB 200 alloy and a new rifle profile.The partnerships, formalized through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) signed in 2022, aim to solve...
www.thefirearmblog.com