hicar
USSOCOM program seeking a hypervelocity-capable M4A1 upper receiver to extend carbine effective range from ~300m to 600m+.
HICAR is a USSOCOM program, solicited by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (N0016426SCA004, posted May 18, 2026), seeking a new pressure-tolerant M4A1 upper receiver able to fire an experimental M855A1+ hypervelocity 5.56mm round (~82,000 psi vs. ~62,000 psi standard) to extend effective carbine range from roughly 300 to 600+ meters while retaining compatibility with existing M4A1 lowers, STANAG magazines, and standard M855A1 rounds. White papers were due June 8, 2026; SOCOM plans a live-fire pitch day September 15-16, 2026.
Program detail
- Agency
- USSOCOM / Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane
- Acronym
- HICAR
- Budget
- Undisclosed
- Phase
- Solicitation / pitch day (Sept 2026)
- Domain
- Small arms, hypervelocity ammunition
Participants0
No linked records yet.
Contracts0
No linked records yet.
Frequently asked
- What is hicar?
- HICAR is a USSOCOM program, solicited by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (N0016426SCA004, posted May 18, 2026), seeking a new pressure-tolerant M4A1 upper receiver able to fire an experimental M855A1+ hypervelocity 5.56mm round (~82,000 psi vs. ~62,000 psi standard) to extend effective carbine range from roughly 300 to 600+ meters while retaining compatibility with existing M4A1 lowers, STANAG magazines, and standard M855A1 rounds. White papers were due June 8, 2026; SOCOM plans a live-fire pitch day September 15-16, 2026.
- Which agency runs hicar?
- hicar is run by USSOCOM / Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane and is also known as HICAR.
Sources & citations2
Each claim links to its underlying source. Confidence reflects how directly the source supports the claim.
- 1
USSOCOM's HICAR program (NSWC Crane solicitation N0016426SCA004, posted May 18, 2026) seeks an M4A1 upper receiver firing hypervelocity M855A1+ rounds to double effective range to 600m; white papers due June 8, pitch day Sept 15-16, 2026
Soldier Systems Daily: USSOCOM Seeks Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR)Verified2026-05-20 - 2
Independent corroboration of the HICAR program's goals, chamber-pressure spec (~82,000 psi vs ~62,000 psi), and compatibility requirements
Military Times: SOCOM wants to revive legacy M4 carbine with 'hypervelocity' cartridgeVerified2026-06-03