I know the M2 weapon system far too well, from being a Tanker in the army(active) for over 4yrs now, and being the unit armor for 1 1/2yrs.
Ive been looking forward to this weapon system for a long time back when I seen in in the army time back in 09.
Dragging a 83lb weapon up and down off my Tank, MRAP & HMMWV gets a little old after a wile, now with a 40lb weapon system, it'll make my job a little easier. Also there wont be anymore Headspace and Timing needed (from level 10 & 20 operators ), because that is my number concern as a NCO, when dealing with a .50cal, was Headspace and Timing, when i got a new private up in the turret, making sure it was done correctly. If its not done properly the primer will be struck before the round is fully seated in the chamber, turning that brass casing into shrapnel, sending it into your face. >
Video from armor school<
As Zoogster said about the Durability of the M2. It's legendary. In the Tankers world its customary to keep the TC's .50cal dirty at tank gunnery, "They lover to be dirty." This new one will probably need a little more love and care then the M2.
Kevin5098's post on the fixed H&T. That would be great to have save a lot of time and make operations safer, but as PDf file says "Approved for Public Release 02/2011" by good old General Dynamics. So I don't think my unit will be seeing any of these upgrades to are armory for long wile.