60 replies to this topic

[orca]

Rosemead, CA – August 20, 2007 – KWA USA today announced it is in the final stages of releasing it’s first Lithium Polymer (LiPo) ready AEG, the KWA KM4A1 Carbine. The new AEG was engineered specifically to take full advantage of today’s advanced battery technology and provide airsoft enthusiasts with the experience of absolute performance.

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries provide higher capacity and superior performance surpassing the more commonly available Nickel Cadium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) batteries. However, using the LiPo power source requires the highest quality of internal components. To handle the extra power of LiPo batteries, the KM4A1 is equipped with a reinforced metal gearbox utilizing KWA’s exclusive 8 and 9 mm ball bearing bushing combination and case hardened, precision metal gear sets. Heavy duty springs and high-torque motors are matched for optimum results. High-grade metal alloy are used for the production of the upper and lower receivers. The KWA KM4A1 is capable of firing more than 20 rounds per second and well over 400 feet per second when powered by an 11.1v Lithium Polymer battery.

The decision to develop LiPo-Ready products came after the successful introduction of KWA’s high performance AEG, the KG36C. Positive feedbacks and overwhelming demands from the industry accelerated the engineering of an AEG capable of utilizing the LiPo power source. The KWA KM4A1 will be released in the US in mid September 2007 and will only be available through KWA USA Authorized Resellers

[allizard]

Wow that didn't take long....

Anyway, I got first hand experience with the pre-production model last week. It fires on Lipo 11.1v /w long burst and FPS is at 424 steady. Very impressive.

Here are a few pics...















I haven't got a chance to open up the inside but they said it's fully re-enforced and they have already tested the box with a m150 spring. And there are no noticeable ware over few thousands of round.

Edited by allizard, 20 August 2007 - 03:15 AM.

[Pinkfloyd]

Very awesome Orca, sounds like a nice concept. Pray tell, do you know if it has proper trades? I'm assuming not from KWA, but it would be a definite boon to the overall sucess of this product.

EDIT: looks like Allizard beat me to it and posted some nice pictures. Is that a metal body or plastic? I assume you shot it, how are the hopups?

Edited by Pinkfloyd, 20 August 2007 - 03:15 AM.

[slyguyfry]

What is the gear box made out of? And is the receiver mettle?

[someonetookmyname]

more importantly, external/internal parts compatibility?

[orca]

Sorry guys, I'm only the messenger on this 1. Allizard seems to have the first hand info.

[Guinness]

From ORCA's initial post:

"High-grade metal alloy are used for the production of the upper and lower receivers"



Slainte!


-G

[chaoswithinthed]

I'm digging KWAs new AEGs. Their G36s are super! Got to hold one and shoot one, fantastic!

DP

[allizard]

Yes I took the pictures. I got invited to the Rosemead office few days ago. The preproduction model have no trades. And he said they don't plan to put any on the metal receiver.

I can't give you a 100% answer on the compatiabiltiy, but going with my previous experience with KWA G36c gearbox. I am willing to bet it 100% compatible. However, why would you care of compatibility anyway? The gearbox is build solid and with quality parts. And I believe KWA is planning to have a long warranty period for it's gearbox.

Hopup is a two piece design like Marui. Range wise I can see the bb travel over 50 yards. And I get a effective range with a less than 3" grouping without any assist at over 50 feet. Not the best result but bear in mind it's only a pre-production model. I can't wait to see the final product.

Edited by allizard, 20 August 2007 - 04:20 AM.

[DWells55]

Am I the only one who doesn't like the idea of having to deal with people spraying 20RPS @ 424FPS on the field? Seeing how the real M4 is somewhere between I believe 12-16 rounds per second...

[Guinness]

Do you think no trades even with a metal body will limit its appeal?

Or will the price point make up for the lack of realism? Perhaps they could use a local source to offer laser-etched 'personalized' trades?

Or is the lipo the major draw here.....

[TDS]

Am I the only one who doesn't like the idea of having to deal with people spraying 20RPS @ 424FPS on the field?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah
Airsoft is quickly turning into paintball

[someonetookmyname]

blah

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

just in case i was more concerned with external anyway.

[Pariah_WP]

Is there any word on whether these will be available as drop-in replacement gearboxes as well as coming in their AEGs? I certainly hope so as these sound like solid mechboxes for any application. It would be nice to see another drop in gearbox set up like the Systema line out there. Grab the mechbox for your type of AEG and it comes with the selector plate already installed and what have you. Could be real nice. I would so buy them provided their price point was right.

Edited by Pariah_WP, 20 August 2007 - 08:53 AM.

[benplaut]

Now it's gotten harder. It used to be "well, I could get the KWA g36c for the kickass gearbox, or a G&P cause I like M4's"

I would leap and dance in joy if they came out with a m16a4. May I be one of the first to say that the lack of new products on the Marui front is a darn good thing.

[slyguyfry]

im going to have to pick one of these bad boys up

[Bangla_Black]

Nice! The upper receiver pivots onthe front pin like PTWs and Ics!

[GI0VANNI]

The option of a spare "bomb proof" gearbox is the interesting part, metal or plastic is non relevant for me, really a very good news if they finally read these forums like other manufacturers and sellers do and decide going with the "spares"

[Magsz]

Wow, look at the reinforcing on the front of the gearbox by the cylinder window...thats impressive.

For some strange reason it almost resembles the MThaynes reinforced cnc'd gearbox because of the squaring off of the portion of the gearbox where the piston guide rails are.

Can someone shed some light on how the gun hinges open? Please please please tell me it doesnt use metal tabs...

Man, 424 fps is quite hot, down here in florida we generally try not to take our guns over the 350 fps limit. Just like the newer batches of JG guns, we are going to have to downgrade them right out of the box.

Decreasing the power like that means you're also going to get an rof boost lol...my god. Im surprised that a manufacturer is releasing a high speed gun given their notorious lack of longterm durability.

[orca]

Nice! The upper receiver pivots onthe front pin like PTWs and Ics!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

TM's pivot too... You don't have to have a split gearbox to do so and it's the way its' been since TM intially released their first M16.

Edited by orca, 20 August 2007 - 06:39 PM.