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Links 'n' Stuff The Gun Zone 5.56mm 'Prologue' 5.56mm 1957-1962
Part Six... 5.56mm 1963-1964
The 5.56 X 45mm: 1968-1969 A Chronology of Development by Daniel Watters
5.56mm 1965-1966 5.56mm 1967 5.56mm 1968-1969
1968...
5.56mm 1970-1973
WECOM issues "Rifle "Rifle 5.56mm M16: Selection Process for NATO Standard ." ."
5.56mm 1974-1979
Twin Cities AAP issues the memo "Small " Small Caliber Ammunition Modernization Modernizatio n Program (Outline & Description) 5.56mm Cartridge Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant ." ."
5.56mm 1986-1989
5.56mm 1980-1985
5.56mm 1990-1994 5.56mm 1995-1999
Colt switches from 6061 T6 aluminum forgings to 7075 T6 aluminum forgings upon suggestion by Gene Stoner. The earlier forging were found to be prone to intergranular exfoliation in the humid climate of Vietnam. Thin areas of the receiver, such as the area around the front pivot pin hole, could completely corrode apart within as little as three months. The US provides a military assistance grant of 3,265 M16A1 and 52 XM148 to South Vietnam.
5.56mm 2000-2001 5.56mm 2002-2003 5.56mm 2004 5.56mm 2005 5.56mm 2006 5.56mm 2007
The US provides a military assistance grant of 1,400 M16A1 to Laos. Singapore voices interest in making a private arrangement with Colt to develop a domestic M16 production facility.
5.56mm 2008 5.56mm 2009 5.56mm Propellant
Frankford Arsenal discovers that some cartridges shipped to South Vietnam have unusually soft cases.
5.56mm FAQ - v1.14 5.56mm v. .223 Rem
Frankford Arsenal begins experiments with the Low Noise Duplex Cartridge (LNDC). The earliest cartridges are loaded with a pair of 110gr tungsten core slugs. The initial projectiles use a blunt roundnose profile, but later efforts consist of a semi-spitzer shape.
Fléchette / SPIW Multiplex / SALVO Green Ammo
Nosler continues to test its solid steel projectiles, now loading them in a .22-250. FN experiments with a heavily tapered version of the 5.56x45mm case. The case taper resembles that of the Soviet 7.62x39mm.
TGZ Blog
Daniel Watters' suggested
L. James Sullivan leaves Ruger for Hughes Advanced Armament. The SEALs discover a serious quirk with their Stoners: the "spinback" jam. When in the belt-fed configuration, the Stoner ejects to the left. However, the 63A also feeds the belt from the left side. Occasionally, an ejected case will hit the drum or belt, and "spinback" into the ejection port, causing a malfunction. On a positive note, Cadillac Gage introduces several enhancements, the most popular a short short LMG barrel. barrel. This removes 6.25" in length length and drops 1.56 pounds from the standard LMG barrel. Equipped with the new barrel, the LMG becomes known as the "Command "Commando" o" model. Beretta and SIG part ways on the 5.56mm rifle project over SIG Director Rudolf Amsler's insistence on using roller locking. SIG goes on to produce their SG530-1, a gas operated, roller locked design. At Beretta, Giuseppe Giuseppe Mazzetti, Leandro Zerneri, Zerneri, and Vittorio Vittorio Valle set to work on a more conventional conventional gas operated, rotary bolt design. The resulting design becomes the AR70. Both rifles still bear a fairly similar profile. RWS and gunmaker Friedrick W. Heym introduce the 5.6x50mmR Magnum. It is essentially a lengthened and rimmed .222 Remington Magnum. The US Navy begins research on sound suppressors for the M16/M16A1 for use by UDT and SEALs. Part of the Swimmer Weapons System Program, the project is assigned to the t he Mechanical Systems Materiel Division of the Underwater Mechanical Engineering Department of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. New Zealand begins limited issue of the M203 to troops issued the M16A1. January: After receiving final approval a pproval from General Johnson,
ACSFOR LTG Collins creates the Army Small Arms Program (ARSAP) to handle all Army small arms projects. Nearly fifty projects are sorted into four major time spans: Continuing, Immediate (up to five years), Mid-term (up to 1980), and Long-term (up to 1990). Among the short term projects are product improvement tasks including M16A1 weapon system components such as a muzzle brake compensator and two-round burst control device, grenade launcher attachment development, alternative methods of launching grenades, advanced development development of a 40mm disposable barrel cartridge area target ammunition (DBCATA), and development of a family of 40mm cartridges. Experiments, evaluations, and simulations will address analysis of the tactical value of machine guns in squads and platoons equipped with automatic rifles, the effectiveness effectiveness and utility of the SPIW and automatic rifles, and the effectiveness effectiveness and utility of the SPIW and automatic 40mm grenade launching systems. Among the mid-range projects are development projects appropriately designated the "Future Rifle Program" (FRP). This includes projects such as the SPIW, now renamed the Serial
syllabus The Black Rifle by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Second Edition. Collector Edition. Collector Grade Publications, Toronto, Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1992. The Great Rifle Controversy by Edward C. Ezell. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1984. The M16 Controversies by Thomas L. McNaugher. Praeger Publishers, New York, NY, 1984. The History and Development of the M16 Rifle and its Cartridge by David R. Hughes. Armory Publications, Oceanside, CA, 1990. The SPIW: The Deadliest Weapon that Never Was by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Collector Ezell. Collector Grade Publications, Toronto, Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1985. Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century by Christopher R. Bartocci. Collector Bartocci. Collector Grade Publications, Cobourg, Publications, Cobourg, Ontario, 2004. The Last Enfield - SA80: The Reluctant Rifle by Steve Raw. Collector Grade Publications, Cobourg, Ontario, 2003.
More by Watters ... Other of Watters' learned works-inprogress for TGZ include A Brief History of Fléchette and Project SPIW,, as well as .30 Carbine SPIW Wildcats and Miniguns and the Movies.. Movies
Valued E-mail Utility All E-mail to TGZ is screened by MailWasher Pro for Pro for spam and viruses. For a free trial download, click here. click here. Stop Stop unwanted E-mail before it reaches your machine. Strongest recommendation. Document History Publication: 12/10/1998 Last Revised: 05/17/2009
L. James Sullivan leaves Ruger for Hughes Advanced Armament. The SEALs discover a serious quirk with their Stoners: the "spinback" jam. When in the belt-fed configuration, the Stoner ejects to the left. However, the 63A also feeds the belt from the left side. Occasionally, an ejected case will hit the drum or belt, and "spinback" into the ejection port, causing a malfunction. On a positive note, Cadillac Gage introduces several enhancements, the most popular a short short LMG barrel. barrel. This removes 6.25" in length length and drops 1.56 pounds from the standard LMG barrel. Equipped with the new barrel, the LMG becomes known as the "Command "Commando" o" model. Beretta and SIG part ways on the 5.56mm rifle project over SIG Director Rudolf Amsler's insistence on using roller locking. SIG goes on to produce their SG530-1, a gas operated, roller locked design. At Beretta, Giuseppe Giuseppe Mazzetti, Leandro Zerneri, Zerneri, and Vittorio Vittorio Valle set to work on a more conventional conventional gas operated, rotary bolt design. The resulting design becomes the AR70. Both rifles still bear a fairly similar profile. RWS and gunmaker Friedrick W. Heym introduce the 5.6x50mmR Magnum. It is essentially a lengthened and rimmed .222 Remington Magnum. The US Navy begins research on sound suppressors for the M16/M16A1 for use by UDT and SEALs. Part of the Swimmer Weapons System Program, the project is assigned to the t he Mechanical Systems Materiel Division of the Underwater Mechanical Engineering Department of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. New Zealand begins limited issue of the M203 to troops issued the M16A1. January: After receiving final approval a pproval from General Johnson,
ACSFOR LTG Collins creates the Army Small Arms Program (ARSAP) to handle all Army small arms projects. Nearly fifty projects are sorted into four major time spans: Continuing, Immediate (up to five years), Mid-term (up to 1980), and Long-term (up to 1990). Among the short term projects are product improvement tasks including M16A1 weapon system components such as a muzzle brake compensator and two-round burst control device, grenade launcher attachment development, alternative methods of launching grenades, advanced development development of a 40mm disposable barrel cartridge area target ammunition (DBCATA), and development of a family of 40mm cartridges. Experiments, evaluations, and simulations will address analysis of the tactical value of machine guns in squads and platoons equipped with automatic rifles, the effectiveness effectiveness and utility of the SPIW and automatic rifles, and the effectiveness effectiveness and utility of the SPIW and automatic 40mm grenade launching systems. Among the mid-range projects are development projects appropriately designated the "Future Rifle Program" (FRP). This includes projects such as the SPIW, now renamed the Serial
syllabus The Black Rifle by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Second Edition. Collector Edition. Collector Grade Publications, Toronto, Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1992. The Great Rifle Controversy by Edward C. Ezell. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1984. The M16 Controversies by Thomas L. McNaugher. Praeger Publishers, New York, NY, 1984. The History and Development of the M16 Rifle and its Cartridge by David R. Hughes. Armory Publications, Oceanside, CA, 1990. The SPIW: The Deadliest Weapon that Never Was by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Collector Ezell. Collector Grade Publications, Toronto, Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1985. Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century by Christopher R. Bartocci. Collector Bartocci. Collector Grade Publications, Cobourg, Publications, Cobourg, Ontario, 2004. The Last Enfield - SA80: The Reluctant Rifle by Steve Raw. Collector Grade Publications, Cobourg, Ontario, 2003.
More by Watters ... Other of Watters' learned works-inprogress for TGZ include A Brief History of Fléchette and Project SPIW,, as well as .30 Carbine SPIW Wildcats and Miniguns and the Movies.. Movies
Valued E-mail Utility All E-mail to TGZ is screened by MailWasher Pro for Pro for spam and viruses. For a free trial download, click here. click here. Stop Stop unwanted E-mail before it reaches your machine. Strongest recommendation. Document History Publication: 12/10/1998 Last Revised: 05/17/2009
Fléchette Rifle (SFR), the micro-caliber Serial Bullet Rifle (SBR), and other experimental cartridge concepts such as multiple fléchette loadings and caseless ammunition. Long range objectives will be covered by the Army Small Arms Requirements Study (ASARS). ASARS I will establish measures of effectiveness, and the importance of small arms relative to supporting weapons in casualty production, production, and will identify types of weapon mixes applicable to the Army in 1985. A follow-on study, ASARS II, will relate data on the contribution of small arms weapon characteristics to overall combat effectiveness. The M16 Rifle Review Panel travels to Hawaii to review the files and records at Headquarters, US Army Pacific and CINCPAC. Upon completion of this review, the panel continues on to Vietnam and conducts a field survey to determine the current status of M16 reliability, training, supply, maintenance and overall effectiveness. McNamara instructs Secretary Resor to obtain maximum production of the M16 from Colt. It is estimated that a progressive build-up to 40,000 rifles per month could be achieved by June 1969. WECOM's AMSWE-QA releases "M16A1 "M16A1 Rifle Quality Assessment Report ." ." The Commander, DCASD-Hartford, DCASD-Hartford, writes to Colt President Benke, regarding the existence of quality control problems at the contractor's facility. In response, Benke takes exception to many of the deficiencies cited in the letter. However, he does admit: "the only apparent deficiency in our quality control program appears to be the documentation of our quality investigations and the documentation documentati on of the follow-up to insure that corrective action has been implemented. This condition has been discussed with several qualified government quality assurance representatives. representatives. It is agreed that improvements can be made by the contractor in this area. At the present time, we are conducting a complete quality audit of all Colt vendors to insure that they are complying with contractual requirements. requireme nts. A report of this audit and the corrective action taken will be submitted to the government by 23 February 1968." Colt performs a survey of twenty-eight vendors, and all are reported to have adequate quality history. Seventeen of them have inadequate inspection records, and 18 have inadequate gauge control systems. In the latter two categories, 16 vendors had both inadequate inspection records and gauge control systems. WSEG testing begins at Fort Sherman in Panama. 522 Marines test M16A1 rifles using new buffers and a mix of chromed and unchromed chambers with a mix of ammo from ball and IMR-loaded lots. M14 rifles are used as control. Ironically, M193 ball ammunition loaded with IMR 8208M exhibits the highest malfunction rates. Based on the preliminary results of the WSEG tests, McNamara directs that until further notice, no M193 ammunition loaded with
IMR 8208M is to be manufactured, or shipped to Vietnam. IMRloaded lots of M193 are suspended for use except for CONUS training. IMR's use in M196 tracer rounds is allowed to continue. The lot numbers of the effected ammunition are ordered to be compiled and forwarded to USARV immediately. Frankford Arsenal subsequently distributes the requested lot numbers. A QALI is issued to DCASR-St. Louis regarding inspections related to Olin-Winchester's production of M196 Tracer ammunition. Another field survey of troops armed with the M16 rifle is begun. It is part of a review of the M16 program presently being prepared by the Office of the Chief of Staff of the US Army. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate measures already undertaken to improve M16 reliability, to identify any current rifle problems, and to determine the general performance and acceptability of the system under combat conditions. All major Army units in USARV and one Marine Division are included in the survey sample. Two means are used to collect data: personal interviews and a questionnaire. TECOM concludes comparison testing of old and new-style buffers. The Exterior Ballistics Laboratory (EBL) of the BRL initiates testing of the XM177E2. Earlier, the PMR, at the request of General Besson, had requested an effectiveness study and evaluation comparing the XM177/XM177E1 with the M16/M16A1 rifle. By this point, the XM177E2 have already replaced the earlier models, so testing progresses with the newer model. Interestingly, the XM177E2 is in such demand that only a spare barrel and blast suppressor are available. Since the testing relates to ballistics and not functioning, the spare barrel is fitted to a M16A1 on hand at Aberdeen. It quickly becomes clear that the suppressor has a significant influence on the flight behavior of both the M193 and M196 projectiles. To investigate this phenomenon further, two additional suppressors are obtained from D&PS. The three suppressors are used to signify various phases in the life of the weapon. The suppressors had approximately 1,000, 3,100, and 9,200 rounds of ammunition fired through them prior to the EBL tests. Rock Island Arsenal issues the report "Commercial Weapons Lubricants." It concludes that 90 to 95 percent of the evaluated products are not suitable weapons lubricants based on poor corrosion protection. The BRL publishes "Limitations on the Performance of HandHeld Automatic Rifles Equipped with Muzzle-Brake Compensators." Aberdeen's D&PS releases "Product Improvement Test of Redesigned Buffer for M16A1 Rifle." Colt's Foster Sturtevant receives US Patent #3,366,011 titled
"Buffer Assembly Having a Plurality of Inertial Masses Acting in Delayed Sequence to Oppose Bolt Rebound." The first 120 " Noise Suppressor HEL M4" arrive in Vietnam. These require the installation of a special bolt carrier and an add-on gas deflector. General Johnson writes a letter to the new Marine Corps Commandant, General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., titled " Stoner Weapon System Evaluation." The Army agrees to cooperate in a continued evaluation of the Stoner 63A LMG. FN submits a CAL prototype to the Belgian military for testing. AAI publishes the report " 5.56 MM Caseless Rifle Study ." The objective of the program has been the development of a concept for an individual shoulder fired weapon capable of firing 5.56mm molded caseless propellant cartridges. The weapon concept shall be lightweight, gas-operated, and possess a selective semi and full automatic fire capability. The six month program consisted of a detailed engineering design and theoretical analysis; and the fabrication and testing of an experimental firing fixture. This program has demonstrated the feasibility of using the firing pin actuated mechanism as a simple and effective means of firing caseless ammunition. Olin-Winchester's Joseph A. Badali and James H. Johnson receive US Patent #3,365,828 titled "Grenade Launcher for Attachment to a Rifle." February: McNamara leaves the post of Secretary of Defense at the
end of the month. ACSFOR LTG Collins announces that the First Small Arms Conference will be held at Fort Benning later in the month. This meeting is the first in the series of semi-annual conferences, called for by the ARSAP for the purpose of providing coordination of Army small arms activities. The specific purposes of the meeting are to review and refine task descriptions and funding requirements. The revised ARSAP includes: "Conduct feasibility studies of a 5.56mm, or smaller, successor for the M60 machine gun. Employ new concepts to eliminate sensitivity to variables inherent in normal ammunition production. Explore appropriateness of 5.56mm destructive potential, including possible use of heavier projectiles, in comparison with lethality required for Light Machine Gun successor." While no money will be programmed for this effort in the FY 196871 time period, two sub-tasks involving feasibility studies of a 7.62mm successor to the M60 machine gun will be funded. The BRL, however, have a small program in the preliminary stages directed in part toward the use of heavier 5.56mm projectiles to obtain greater effectiveness range.
Among the five grenade launcher tasks, the highest priority is accorded the GLAD program, with completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of FY 1970. Related to the GLAD program is the advanced production engineering for the DBCATA. Product improvement of existing systems and development of a family of 40mm cartridges is a continuous effort. Granted a second priority, with no funds scheduled until FY 1970 and with a projected completion date of the fourth quarter of FY 1971, is the investigation of alternative methods for launching grenades. The AMC M16 Executive Committee is established by COL Isaacs to improve communication between commands associated with M16 development and further integrate rifle and system management. Chaired by COL Isaacs, the committee includes senior technical representatives from WECOM, MUCOM, TECOM, and the BRL. Responsibility is assigned for overall programs to optimize the weapon system's performance. The PMR sends a new investigation team to South Vietnam. MACV recommends distributing 268,000 M16A1 to South Vietnam Regional and Popular Forces (RF/PF). The full conversion from the M14 to the M16A1 rifle in Army training is approved subject to the gradual availability of weapons following priority shipment to Vietnam. Representatives of the different QA elements familiar with the various quality assurance activities pertinent to M16A1 rifle are appointed to the AMC/DCAS M16/M16A1 Rifle Quality Assurance Committee to assist in the integrated control over the numerous efforts being made to insure that Colt's production output meets desired quality levels. As a result, coordination on all quality assurance matters relative to contractor performance will be accomplished with the contractor, DCAS, DCASR-Boston, DCASDHartford, MUCOM, PMR, WECOM elements, and AMC. A Task Group is established to review the final examination and performance requirements as specified in SAPD 253B to determine the adequacy of these requirements and revise them, as necessary, to assure that desired performance and quality levels are being met. The reliability analysis and specification review are then conducted concurrently. As a result of the above, revisions are made to SAPD 253B. These revisions are reviewed by the AMC/DCAS QA Committee and are discussed with the QAR at Colt. These changes include: a revised table of allowable malfunctions and unserviceable parts, improvement to the sampling plan for cyclic rate of fire testing, addition of a mission performance test, addition of an interplant interchangeability test, addition of cleaning and lubrication criteria for testing, addition of inspection and tests for packaging, and revised criteria for inspection lot size. The format is made
consistent with standardization procedures for Military Specifications. Another Task Group of inspection engineering personnel is established and will be located in-house at Colt for the purpose of reviewing inspection equipment designs to determine their adequacy and compatibility with the product drawings. This action is considered essential to correct deficiencies in the criteria for assuring that current hardware conforms to product drawing and to further assure that uniform criteria is furnished to other sources of production. The changes generated by this Task Group's review will be implemented into the contracts of the other sources of production as well as Colt. Inspection Instruction Sheets are updated, as necessary, for consistency with such changes to the inspection equipment designs determined necessary by the Task Group. Work begins on a revised Plant Quality Assurance Program (PQAP) for the QAR at Colt by an experienced QAR from the Quality Operations Branch, DCASD-Hartford. A feedback channel for transmittal of data generated through tests of ammunition is established to provide information on parts mortality, performance and durability of slave weapons (M16A1 rifles) and magazines used in ammunition tests. Rifle performance and replacement data, as well as dimensional measurements recorded prior to and after firing tests, will be used by product assessment activities in the development of reliability and performance requirements for acceptance of product on future contracts. A representative of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations & Logistics) - ASD(I&L) visits Colt and, among other things, is critical of the requirements placed upon Colt to perform vendor surveys. This results in a study by the AMC/DCAS M16 Committee of the specification and contractual requirements for vendor control. The DOD's Institute for Defense Analysis publishes "Study of the M16 Rifle System." DDR&E Foster publishes a rebuttal to the Ichord report: " Appraisal of the M16 Rifle Program." On contract to the US Army, Comprehensive Designers, Inc. (CDI) studies the tolerance relationships in Colt's TDP for the M16/XM177. 140 areas of potential interference are found and reported to Colt along with the bidders for the second source contracts. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Special Tests of 5.56mm Ammunition." It is comprised of the results from ten tests using 150 new M16A1 rifles and 420,000 rounds of ammunition. Before testing, the chamber dimensions of all 150 rifles are checked in seven areas. Depending on the exact point of measurement, up to
77.5 percent of the rifle chambers were out of spec. "Operational Reliability Test M16A1 Rifle System, WSEG Report 124" on the Panamanian trials is classified and sealed by the OSD. This is suspected to be result of WC846's superior showing over IMR 8208M, which directly contradicted the allegations of the Ichord report. Aberdeen's D&PS releases the reports "Final Report on Special Study of High Temperature Bore Fouling of 5.56-MM, M196 Tracer Cartridge in M16A1 Rifle" and " Initial Production Test of Chrome-Plated Chambers for 5.56-MM, M16A1 Rifles." Frankford Arsenal publishes " Interim Quality Assurance Report of 5.56 Fouling Test conducted at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant ." The field survey of troops armed with the M16 rifle in Vietnam ends. Aberdeen's BRL releases the report " SPIW Modes of Fire." The study investigates the most effective mode of aimed fire to engage linear and point targets with the rifle portion of the SPIW system. Basic test data were generated by a group of riflemen firing a total of approximately 23,000 rounds at different types of simulated targets. A supplementary phase of the report discusses the applicability to the SPIW of doctrine evolved for full automatic fire from other rifle systems. The report recommends that while the AAI's high cyclic rate burst mechanism might give a higher percentage of hits over its much lower cyclic rate in full-automatic mode, the rifle would probably gain in reliability by removing the burst mechanism and tuning the weapon for a single "optimum" rate of full-auto fire. Arthur Miller receives US Patent #3,369,316 titled "Apparatus for Mounting and Locking a Folding Stock on a Rifle." The USAIB begins a Military Potential Test of the HEL M4 sound suppressor. March: Clark M. Clifford takes over as Secretary of Defense.
At the beginning of the month, an analysis of M16 requirements and assets shows the following: Gross Requirement Command (Excluding replacement of M1 rifles) PACOM Other
On Hand
Needed Urgently Remainder for use to be filled in Vietnam
1,568,318
534,706
1,033,612
376,796
943,639
170,559
773,080
0
Total
2,511,957 705,365 1,806,692
376,796
The urgent requirement will be distributed as follows: 91,258 for USARV for Combat Service Support troops and maintenance float, 61,938 for ARVN to complete their equipping, 72,000 for potential Army deployments, 36,600 for potential Marine deployments, and 115,000 for South Vietnamese RF/PF. Deputy Secretary Nitze sends a memo to Thomas D. Morris, ASD(I&L), requesting analysis of how M16 production can be increased. In a reply to Deputy Secretary Nitze titled "Expanded M16 Rifle Production," ASD(I&L) Morris proposes adoption of two different actions: 1) Move Colt to a three-shift, seven day a week schedule as suggested; and 2) Award two additional contracts for M16 production, not just one as proposed. JCS Chairman General Wheeler sends a memo to Secretary Clifford titled " Increased Production of the M16 Rifle." Wheeler recommends that the Department of the Army be provided with sufficient funding and authority to increase current production at Colt, start production at a second source as soon as possible, and explore possibilities of adding additional sources of production. A Quality Assurance Comparison Test of M16A1 rifles is conducted by an independent Government test agency in accordance with a coordinated test plan. Colt's contract is amended to require that Colt abide by its own updated TDP, the same version that was previously sold to the US Government. Aberdeen's BRL releases the memorandum report " Accuracy of Rifle Fire: SPIW, M16A1, M14." These include the results of full automatic and burst mode accuracy testing at Fort Benning between the M16A1, M14, and AAI SPIW prototypes. Of note is the performance of the test M16A1 rifles, equipped with two round burst mechanisms. These are found to improve the hit probability over controlled automatic fire in the same weapon. The M16A1 also allows for the highest number of target engagements. Not surprisingly, the SPIW is found to be the easiest to control in automatic fire, and this produces the highest hit probability per target engaged. The M14, combined with either the standard M80 Ball or M198 Duplex, is found to give a higher hit probability per target engaged than the M16A1. With the M198 Duplex, the M14 is considered to be competitive with the SPIW, at least per target engagement. CINCPAC Admiral Sharp proposes the FY 1968 MAP Augmentation Plan for South Korea. Included is $2.4 million for 10,000 M16 for the ROK Army and Marines. Secretary of Defense Clifford approves the
plan; however, he adds the condition that no M16 are to be delivered to Korea until all MACV requirements are filled. On behalf of ARPA's Office of Advanced Engineering, the Battelle Memorial Institute begins a study of the analysis of test and selection procedures for small arms lubricants. D&PS issues the report "Final Report on Special Study of High Temperature Bore Fouling of 5.56-MM, M196 Tracer Cartridge in M16A1 Rifle." TECOM releases the report "Comparison Test for Cyclic Rate Comparison of Ball Cartridges in WSEG Weapons." General Electric submits a proposal to continue development of Springfield's orphaned SPIW. (GE's Armament Division was already renting portions of the Springfield Armory facility.) The USAIB concludes testing of the HEL-M4 sound suppressor. April: The ARSAP is revised again. This includes a task resume for
evaluation of contender 5.56mm machine guns. The assumption is that the primary mode of employment will be with the rifle squad as a supporting weapon to the M16A1 rifle. The 5.56mm machine gun is not expected to replace the 7.62mm M60 machine gun at conventional machine gun ranges. $1,000,000 is listed as required in FY 1969, but no money is programmed until FY 1970. The Office of the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Army publishes " Impact of the Abolishment of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance on the M16 Rifle Program." The authors conclude "There is no substantial evidence from which to conclude that the problems experienced with the M16 rifle would not have existed or would have been fewer had there been a Chief of Ordnance." The Vice Chief of Staff adds the comment: "I am convinced that the problems related to the M16 would have been more severe had there been a Chief of Ordnance with his traditional bias against any item which was not Ordnance developed. The attached record on the M14 development engenders little confidence in the old Chief of Ordnance management system." The study is passed on to General Johnson for approval, whereupon he sends it on to DDR&E Foster. The DOD budget decision approves procurement of 658 million rounds at a cost of $57 million. An updated version of the M16/M16A1's performance specifications (SAPD 253C) is drafted. As a result of the monthly quality audits, additional mandatory inspections at Colt are found necessary, and DCASD-Hartford is advised by an amendment to their QALI.
Colt's deficient vendors are resurveyed, and all but one are found to be satisfactory. The deficient vendor agrees to improve. In a memorandum to Chief of Staff General Johnson, ASA(I&L) Dr. Brooks recommends that a task force be established to perform the following functions: 1. Conduct analyses of all available and pertinent test data to provide a good understanding of the current quality of M16 Rifles, ammunition, and magazines; 2. Prepare a critique of the procedures, specifications, and contractual provisions which constitute the current quality assurance program; and 3. Prepare a set of suggested revisions to the appropriate elements of the quality assurance program. Dr. Brooks further indicates that this project would serve to broaden the application of appropriate statistical analyses and techniques to the Army's Small Arms Program and other programs. ASD(I&L) Morris, in discussion with the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army (Operations Research), also raises certain questions regarding the Army's quality assurance program in general, and as applied to the M16 Rifle program. Specific areas addressed are: 1. Army implementation of DOD procurement policies outlined in Section XIV of the Armed Services Procurement Regulations (ASPR); 2. Army application of statistical methodology in development of contract specifications; 3. AMC/DCAS system interface; and 4. Relationship between the QAR and PMR. DCSLOG LTG Engler requests that AMC establish a task force and on a priority basis accomplish the objectives cited above. A memorandum titled "Review of Production Quality Control of M16 Rifle" from ASD(I&L) Morris to ASA(I&L) Dr. Brooks encloses a list of questions originally developed for an OSD study of the M16 Rifle. An understanding is reached that the Army study, as a minimum, will investigate the elements identified in Phases I and II of the memorandum. Springfield Armory is officially closed at the end of the month. Of 480 employees, less than 20 members of the staff agree to transfer to Rock Island Arsenal. The remainder quit. (Richard Colby, designer of the Springfield SPIW, is hired by GE's Springfield office.) Letter contracts are awarded to H&R (DAAF03-68-C-0045) and GM-
Hydramatic (DAAF03-68-C-0048) for 240,000 M16A1 rifles apiece. In response to grumbling by the other bidders, Maremont and Cadillac Gage, the Ichord Subcommittee is reestablished and the Senate Preparedness Subcommittee establishes its own "Special M16 Rifle Subcommittee" chaired by Senator Howard Cannon (DNV). The Weapon Systems Analysis Directorate issues the report " An Annotated Bibliography of M16A1 Rifle System Tests." Aberdeen concludes product improvement testing of the XM177E2. The JCS sends a memo to Secretary of Defense Clifford discussing the accelerated expansion of the South Vietnamese Armed Forces (RVNAF). The JCS requests permission to equip the RVNAF, including RF/PF, with M16 rifles. The US Army Arctic Test Center publishes "Service Test of Lubricants for M14 and M16A1 Rifles Under Arctic Winter Conditions." The purpose of the test was to evaluate LSA and an experimental lubricant. After approval of the test plan, another objective was added to the test, comparison of the performance of the M16A1 rifle when using IMR and ball powder ammunition under arctic winter conditions. General Electric's Robert E. Chiabrandy receives US Patents #3,380,341 titled "Safing Means for High Rate of Fire Multi-Barrel Automatic Weapon," #3,380,342 titled "Clearing Mechanism for High Rate of Fire Multi-Barrel Automatic Weapon," and #3,380,343 titled "Firing Mechanism for High Rate of Fire Multi-Barrel Automatic Weapon." The USAIB publishes the report " Military Potential Test of Noise Suppressor, HEL, M4, for M16A1 Rifle." The purpose of the test was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the HEL-M4 in realistic operational exercises characteristic of Vietnam. Factors such as position disclosing effects, system functioning, durability, reliability, and maintenance were considered. Fifteen M16A1 rifles with HEL-M4 attached were used to conduct this test, with fifteen standard M16A1 rifles used for control purposes. There were no deficiencies found; however, three shortcomings were noted. The gas deflector failed to deflect all of the escaping gases from the firer's eyes; the ejection pattern of the M16A1 rifle with the HEL-M4 attached caused the expended cartridge to strike the cheek of lefthanded firers; and the malfunction rate of the test weapon was unusually high (primarily double feeding). It is concluded that the HEL-M4 has military potential and accomplishes the purpose for which it was designed, i.e., to deceive observers located forward of the test weapon as to the location of the weapon when it is fired. It is recommended that the HEL-M4 be considered as having military potential, and further development be directed toward correction of the shortcomings.
Arthur Miller, Charles Dorchester, and George Sullivan receive US Patent #3,380,183 titled "Upper Handguard Fixedly Mounted on Barrel Assembly by Breechblock Guide Rods." May: The report "M16 Rifle Survey in the Republic of Vietnam"
is published. The survey indicates that the M16 rifle system is suitable for the war in Vietnam. Particularly desirable qualities are its high rate of fire and its light weight. However, failures to extract were still occurring with enough frequency to undermine confidence in the M16. Although troops generally preferred to carry the M16 in combat, some misgivings were entertained about its reliability. Introduction of the chromed chamber appears to have reduced the number of failures to extract, but this development has not been fielded long enough to permit adequate evaluation. The authors conclude that continued product improvement and user efforts will be required to improve reliability. The survey also notes the following: 1. Approximately 23 percent of the personnel are lubricating their ammunition, which is contrary to all published directives. 2. The buffer retrofit program has not been completed. 16 percent of the personnel questioned report no new buffers. 3. Approximately 28 percent of the over 2,000 personnel questioned have not received M16 training after arrival in Vietnam and 24 percent report receiving no M16 training before arrival in Vietnam. 4. Approximately 10 percent of the personnel have never zeroed their weapon and another 33 percent have not zeroed within the previous three months. 5. 18 percent of the personnel report that their units did not test fire weapons. 6. Although the rifles are cleaned almost daily, the magazines and ammunition are cleaned on the average only once a week. 7. Adequate supplies of cleaning materials are available in theater; however, shortages do exist at unit level from time to time because of distribution problems. Representatives from Frankford Arsenal and WECOM meet at Colt to agree upon chamber drawing changes that will eliminate the possibility of a reverse taper in the neck area after chrome plating. QALI are issued to the applicable DCAS Regions (DCASR) for the new sources of M16A1 procurement: H&R and GM-Hydramatic.
Quality assurance personnel associated with 5.56mm ammunition and the M16A1 visit an ammunition test site to investigate reported magazine failures. This visit results in several modifications of test procedures. In addition, reporting procedures are modified to assure that usable data is provided for on rifle QA program. Rock Island Arsenal and Winchester/Western conduct testing on alternative gas systems for the M16 rifle. CDCEC publishes "Weapons Basic Infantry Element Experiment Report ." This is a supplement to the IRUS-75 Phase I study. MACV commander General Westmoreland advises CINCPAC Admiral Sharp the increased issue of M16 rifles to ARVN and RF/PF will also require an increased allocation of 5.56mm ammunition. In messages to the JCS and Department of the Army, Admiral Sharp supports General Westmoreland's request and recommends an increase in 5.56mm ammunition production. South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) representatives meet with OSD staff and broach the topic of establishing a small arms manufacturing plant in Korea. Minister of National Defense Choi indicates a preference for the M16. Deputy Secretary Nitze and Ambassador Brown endorse the proposal Sound suppressors are submitted for evaluation for the ENSURE #77 requirement. AAI and Philco-Ford deliver their grenade launcher prototypes. Aberdeen's Materiel Testing Directorate begins testing the GLAD prototypes alongside the AAI DBCATA. The testing consists of velocity, accuracy, reliability, adverse conditions, ruggedness, and lubricant compatibility tests. FN's Ernest Vervier files an US patent application for the design of the CAL's removable three-round burst mechanism. June: Contract DAAF03-69-0021 is let to Colt for 740,803 M16A1
and 1,000 M16 rifles. 135,001 of the ordered M16A1 are later requested to be manufactured as M16 instead. Colt also contracts to produce 1,000 30 round magazines for initial production testing. This contract also includes the Technical Data Package for their manufacture. Delivery is projected in 6.5 months. In testimony to the Ichord Subcommittee, a GAO spokesman renders the GAO's conclusion the Army's followed legal procedures in its awards to GM-Hydramatic and H&R. Ichord will later comment that a minimum of $40 million has been squandered on the M16. In both HASC and open House debates over the defense appropriations bill, Ichord fights to reduce the Army's R&D spending by $20 million as punishment for not accepting the lowest bids in its second source contracts for the M16A1.
Aberdeen's D&PS releases the report "Final Report on Product Improvement of Submachine Gun, 5.56-MM XM177E2." The primary purpose of this test was to evaluate the product improvements introduced for the Colt Commando/XM177-series since the SAWS trials of 1965-66, and was not intended to serve as an engineering test leading to type classification. The product improved components of the test weapons were: chrome-plated chambers, new buffer, 1-1/2 inch increased barrel length, Delrin charging handle latch, handguard slip ring, cadmium-plated slip ring spring, shot-peened upper and lower receivers, nylon coated buttstock and release lever, and grenade launcher spacer (for attaching an XM148 grenade launcher). With the exception of the Delrin charging handle latch, the durability of all the product improvements was satisfactory throughout the test. The Delrin charging handle latch experienced structural failure at -65F. Moreover, no difference could be detected between the delrin charging-handle latch and the metal latch with respect to receiver wear. No advantages in corrosion resistance were demonstrated for the shot-peened receivers, nylon-coated buttstock and release lever, and cadmium-plated slip ring spring. The chrome-plated chambers demonstrated improvement over nonplated chambers in reducing failures to extract, and the new angled handguard slip ring offers advantages over the previous design in ease of assembly and disassembly of handguards. Kinematics studies showed that the energy absorbing characteristics of the urethane end cap on the buffer are subject to change under repetitive impacts, causing undesirably large variations in cyclic rate within a burst. Progressive buildup of fouling in the flash/sound suppressor during firing tends to increase muzzle flash and sound level, and apparently has an adverse effect on bullet stability and flight. M193 Ball projectiles were found to yaw up to 10 to 20 degrees on occasion, and M196 Tracer projectiles were even worse in this regard. Both M193 and M196 projectiles exhibited more yawing with WC846-loaded ammunition than with IMR 8208M-loaded ammunition. M196 projectiles were also prone to breakup regardless of the powder used in the cartridges. Both the XM77E1 and XM177E2 weapons gave unsatisfactorily high malfunction rates in the low temperature fouling test, and both weapons demonstrated more severe fouling in the operating mechanism with WC846-loaded cartridges than IMR 8208M. It is recommended that further development of the XM177E2 submachine gun buffer and noise/flash suppressor be accomplished, that the Delrin charging handle latch be considered unacceptable, and that the remaining product improvements under test be considered suitable for use on the XM177E2 submachine gun and, as appropriate, the M16A1 rifle. The OCSA's Weapons Systems Analysis Directorate publishes the 12 volume report "Report of the M16 Rifle Review Panel ." The individual titles are as follows: History of the M16 Weapon System
Small Arms Test Policies and Procedures Audit Trail and Analysis of M16A1 Weapon and Ammunition System Tests Review and Analysis of M16 Rifle Training Ammunition Development Program Procurement Production and Distribution History of the AR15-M16-M16A1 Weapon System Review and Analysis of M16 System Reliability M16 Surveys in the Republic of Vietnam Review and Analysis of the Army Organizational Structure and Management Practices Audit Trail of Chief of Staff - Army Actions and Decisions Concerning the M16 The Army Small Arms Program M16 Product Improvement Modifications After receiving delivery of 6,000 AR-15, further shipments to Singapore are suspended by the OSD due to higher priority commitments. Secretary of State Rusk and Secretary of Defense Clifford issue a joint message questioning whether South Korean production of the M16 is in the best interest of the US or Korea. They request the Commander of US Forces in Korea (COMUSKOREA), CINCPAC Admiral Sharp, and the JCS assess the optimum future shoulder weapon for the Korean military. In particular, they should weigh the possibility of surplus M14 becoming available within the next few years. Battelle Memorial Institute submits the report " Analysis of Test and Selection Procedures for Small Arms Lubricants." It covers the history of the M16 and its recommended lubricants. It also details the results of combat experimentation with other nonstandard lubricants. An 18-pound test fixture for the CMG-2 mechanism is completed. Colt's Robert Roy receives US Patent #3,386,336 titled "Convertible Machine Gun for Right- and Left-Hand Cartridge Feed and Operation." Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report " BRL Survey of the Army Caseless Ammunition Program." An in-depth review of the Small Arms Caseless Ammunition Program was conducted. The results of the review, determined from interviews with contractors and Government personnel, and from reviews of progress reports
prepared by contractors show the current status of the Caseless Ammunition Program. The results of this study show that the Caseless Ammunition Program has not reached the concept formulation phase. Mid 1968: The Philippine Government and Colt enter negotiations
for the establishment of a domestic M16 production plant. It is envisioned that 10 percent of the production will be SMG, 3.9 percent as HBAR, and the rest as standard M16. US Government permission has not yet been negotiated. Summer: All regular ARVN infantry maneuver battalions have
received M16A1. Due to Japanese export restrictions on Howa-made AR-18, ArmaLite establishes their own production line for the AR-18 at their facility in Costa Mesa, CA. July: Secretary Clifford visits South Vietnam. While there, he
promises to speed up deliveries of M16 rifles to the ARVN, even at the expense of US units. The new MACV commander General Creighton Abrams informs CINCPAC Admiral Sharp that the recent changes in the distribution plan for the M16 will eliminate a previous requirement of 20,000 M2 carbines, and request the cancellation of the shipment. Admiral Sharp passes on the information to the JCS who cancels the carbine shipment. COMUSKOREA informs Admiral Sharp that the South Korean Government has publicly expressed its intent to build a modern domestic small arms plant, and they have suggested this can be achieved without cost to the MAP. The South Koreans favor either the M16 or AR-18. COMUSKOREA suggests other alternatives for reequipping the South Koreans with a new rifle, and recommends that he be authorized to develop with the Koreans a detailed fiveyear program for rifle modernization. Aberdeen publishes the report "M16 Rifle System Reliability and Quality Assurance Evaluation." A comprehensive study of the reliability of the M16 Rifle was undertaken. The report contains an extensive analysis of statistical and engineering data t o estimate the reliability characteristics of the M16 Rifle system, analyze factors affecting the reliability of the system (propellants, projectiles, ammunition lots, cyclic rate, cycle time, chrome chambering, cleaning, lubricating, mode of fire, magazines and environments), and to establish a sound technical base for other parts of the study indicated below. The report also includes an analysis of the pertinent specifications for the rifles, magazines and ammunition, with particular emphasis on the validity of the parameters, the tests, the standards, the statistical sampling plans, the criteria, and their compatibility with the requirements for a reliable rifle system.
Basically, the M16 Rifle is deemed a reliable system. Although the M16 Rifle and the M14 Rifle are not comparable in design, weight, ballistic parameters, operating features and effectiveness, their reliability characteristics are approximately similar. The M16 Rifle is more reliable than the M14 Rifle during its initial life, but it is slightly more sensitive to environmental effects and maintenance. Although the M16 Rifle currently is reliable, the study indicates that there is appreciable potential for improvement. The HEL publishes " Accuracy and Rate of Fire for Single Shot and Semi-Automatic Grenade Launchers." CDCEC publishes " Operational Hit and Kill Probabilities XM148 Grenade Launcher System." Olin-Winchester's Joseph A. Badali and James H. Johnson receive US Patent #3,390,475 titled "Magazine Having a Movable Door Hinged Thereto." The USAIB conducts testing of the HEL-M4, the improved HEL-M4A, Frankford Arsenal's FA-CM and FA-XM, and the Sionics MAW-A1, MAW-A2, and MAW-A3. The Sionics suppressor requires no modification other than the removal of the flash hider. During safety testing, a Teflon bushing melts only after the can temperature reached 1,000 degrees. In contrast, one of the Frankford FA-CM bursts during automatic fire due to erosion of its porous aluminum. August: The AR-15/M16 Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) is
disbanded. The new Army Chief of Staff General Westmoreland creates the US Army Small Arms Systems Agency (USASASA) at Aberdeen to manage research and development efforts related to individual and crew-served weapons up to .60 caliber. This includes the Army Small Arms Program (ARSAP), but not the PMR's office. Other responsibilities included infantry grenade launchers (but not the GLAD project), sight and fire control systems (but not electronic night sights and GLAD sights), and all related ammunition programs (except for 40mm grenades and those cartridges controlled by the PMR.) The South Korean MND informs COMUSKOREA that they consider the domestic establishment of a M16 manufacturing plant in their best interest. The South Korean Government will bear the cost of personnel and operating expenses, but they desire the US to provide the plant construction equipment, raw materials, and technical assistance under the MAP. In reply, COMUSKOREA emphasizes the limitations of MAP funds, but points out that credit financing may be available through the DOD or private enterprise. He adds that a DOD specialist team has been requested to assist in the development of the technical, administrative, and legal aspects of the proposal. The new CINCPAC Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. writes the JCS listing
the key advantages and disadvantages of the M14 and M16. He states that the M14 would excel at the long ranges found in Korea, but also notes that the M16 is an effective weapon for internal defense operations. With this in mind, McCain suggests that there is a strong argument to arm the Koreans with a mix of weapons. The relative costs of the weapons and accessories will be a major factor in any final decision. McCain concurs with COMUSKOREA's recommendations with the understanding that the US Government is not pre-committed to any resulting program. He estimates the study could be complete in four months. The JCS approves the proposed study and assigns McCain with recommending the optimum rifle upon completion of the study. In a message to COMUSKOREA, Admiral McCain points out that rearming South Korean support personnel is not a priority. Immediate rearming of the rest of the Korean forces with the M16 may not be a financially sound decision given the possibility of surplus M14 becoming available in coming years. In future discussions, the Koreans need to be reminded that the US is not committed to the construction of a M16 plant. Admiral McCain recommends to the JCS that the DOD specialist team be dispatched to South Korea for handling the co-production proposal. However, the initial attitude to the request is negative, perceiving it as premature. At Frankford Arsenal, Lawrence Moore files the report "Gas Tube Fouling Characteristics of M193 Ball Cartridges in M16A1 Rifle." At Colt, work begins on an actual CMG-2 prototype. Aberdeen's Materiel Testing Directorate ends testing of the 40mm grenade launchers. A letter contract is awarded to AAI for their grenade launcher design. It is unanimously selected based on its performance and cost. An Engineering Design Test for the AAI launcher begins at Aberdeen and Fort Benning. Major Francis B. Conway, Commanding Officer of the US Army's Marksmanship Training Unit (MTU), supervises accuracy testing of the Sionics and HEL suppressors. The Sionics equipped rifle actually improves in 100m and 300m accuracy over the same rifle equipped with the standard flash suppressor. The HEL-M4 suppressor does well at 100m but falls back at 300m. September: The Senate's Special M16 Rifle Subcommittee
concludes that the Army is spending millions of dollars more in its contracts to GM-Hydramatic and H&R because it did not take costs
into consideration. The Army's contract award process is declared to be "a most inept performance." On the House side, the Ichord Subcommittee publishes its latest report calling the awards to GM-Hydramatic and H&R "an exercise of extremely poor judgment." The JCS finally approves the request to send the DOD specialist team to South Korea, but only after Admiral McCain reemphasizes the strong feelings of the South Korean Government and Deputy Secretary Nitze's commitment to the issue. Due to its long lead time, supply action for the M16 in the FY 1968 South Korean MAP Augmentation is suspended until the Congress approves the FY 1969 MAP. The argument is that if the FY 1969 Korean MAP is drastically cut, the inclusion of the FY 1968 MAP Augmentation is also in danger. The JCS instructs Admiral McCain to advise the South Koreans that establishing a M16 plant in Korean may not be wise for the following reasons: 1. Current US M16 production will soon be large enough to meet any additional requirements; 2. MAP and other economic aid is likely to be reduced in the future; and 3. The cost of establishing the production facility will cut into the funds needed for other Korean modernization projects. The BRL publishes "Computer Simulation of 5.56mm Propellants." Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Launch Characteristics of the M193 (Ball) and M196 (Tracer) Projectiles from the XM177E2 Submachine Gun. The data indicate that the XM177E2's blast suppressor decreases accuracy over no muzzle device, and that accuracy decreases even further as the suppressor sees continued use." The USAIB publishes the report " Military Potential Test of Noise Suppressors for M16A1 Rifle." The purpose of this test was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the seven sound suppressor designs with respect to such factors as: accuracy; position disclosing effects; system functioning; durability, reliability, and maintenance; and to select a device suitable for a Vietnam field evaluation and/or further development. As a result of the testing, the decision is made to manufacture and field the HEL-M4A. 100 HEL-M4A suppressors are shipped to Vietnam. On behalf of the US Army, Warren W. Wells files a patent application
for a metal reinforced, plastic M16 magazine. Colt's John Jorczak and David Behrendt file a patent application for an auxiliary cartridge case extractor. October: Colt produces its one millionth M16.
The GAO publishes its audit of Colt's M16 contracts as requested by the Ichord Subcommittee a year earlier. The report concludes that Colt had overcharged by $506,500. Secretary of Defense Clifford approves Phase I of MACV's RVNAF Improvement and Moderization Plan with the proviso that M16 are not be provided to Vietnamese logistic troops. Admiral McCain passes along the JCS' instructions to COMUSKOREA. In reply, COMUSKOREA notes that the DOD specialist team needs to be supplemented with experts on the financial and legal aspects of a co-production plan. McCain passes the recommendation along to the JCS, who denies the request. The OSD position is that discussing financial and legal aspects is premature, and might imply US commitment to the Koreans' plan. When Admiral McCain visits South Korea, COMUSKOREA submits a joint proposal for the M16 plant. The plan is to produce 600,000 rifles and accessories. In addition, the Korean arsenal will be expanded in order to meet all of the Korean military's training ammunition requirements for 5.56mm, .30'06, .30 carbine, and .50 caliber. Basic load and war reserve supplies of 5.56mm ammunition could be met by expanding the arsenal's hours of operation. McCain also meets with South Korean President Park who expresses his interest in the project. After a three week visit, the DOD specialist team concludes that South Korean production of the M16 and 5.56mm ammunition is technically feasible and that it might be cheaper for the Koreans to build the rifles than to supply them from US production. Philippine President Marcos questions US Ambassador G. Mennen Williams as to the reasons behind the US Government's delay in approving a domestic M16 production plant. Ambassador Williams requests that Secretary of State Rusk provide a status report on Colt's application. Williams voices his approval of the proposal. Aberdeen's BRL publishes "Comparison of the Exterior Ballistics of the M193 Projectile when Launched from 1:12 In. and 1:14 In. Twist M16A1 Rifles." Two rifles with 1-12" twist barrels and two with 1-14" twists were tested at five temperatures: 125, 70, 0, -30, and -65F. The 1-14" twist barrels were in new condition and had very few rounds fired from them (estimated as less than 100). The 1-14" twist barrels had been prerated, on the basis of Colt testing, with one as having "average" dispersion (7.5" maximum
spread at 100 yards) and the other as having good dispersion (4.0" maximum spread at 100 yards). The 1-12" twist barrels used in the tests were in good condition but much older, and no record was available on how many rounds had previously been fired from them. Projectiles fired from the 1-14" twist barrels showed greater yaw in flight out to 70 meters, with the initial yaw increasing dramatically as the temperature decreased. The initial in flight yaw for projectiles fired from the two barrel twists were about equal at 125F, around 8 degrees of yaw. However, at -65F, the average maximum in flight yaw was 36 degrees for projectiles fired from the 1-14" twist barrels, while there was barely any increase from the 1-12" twist barrels. Out to 70 meters at -65F, the projectiles from the 1-14" twist barrels were averaging greater yaw than even the 1-12" twist barrels did at the muzzle at the same temperature. Projectiles from the 1-12" twist barrels had stabilized to an average maximum yaw of around 3 degrees at 70 meters regardless of the temperature. As a result of their greater instability, the projectiles fired from the 114" twist barrels were found to lose velocity faster than their counterparts fired from the 1-12" twist barrels. While dispersion was worse across all temperatures for the the 1-14" twist barrels, it held close to the 1-12" twist barrels down to around 40F. By -65F, dispersion for the the 1-14" twist barrels was around four times greater than the 1-12" twist barrels. Naval Weapons Center-China Lake modifies a limited number of M16A1 with side-mounted "jungle slings" and integral cleaning kits. The latter is contained within a modified pistol grip and buttstock. Production of 960 additional HEL-M4A suppressors is transferred to Edgewood Arsenal. Aberdeen's Materiel Testing Directorate releases the report " Engineer Design Test of 40-mm Grenade Launcher Attachments for M16A1 Rifle (GLAD)." The report concludes that the performance of the AAI pump-action launcher is superior to that of the AAI DBCATA and Philco-Ford launchers. Additionally, it was found that the test launchers, irrespective of type, are detrimental to the functioning performance of the rifle to which they are attached. The firing of the launcher causes the operating parts of the rifle to recoil out of position, resulting in failures to fire and failures of the hammer to remain seated. On two occasions, the latter condition caused inadvertent firing of the rifle when an attached Philco-Ford launcher was fired. AAI is awarded a letter contract for development of a Serial Fléchette Rifle (SFR). (SFR is the new name for the rifle component of the SPIW.) AC Electronics-Defense Research Labs publishes the report " Study to Increase Gun Barrel Life by Plating the Bore with Tungsten." During testing contracted by the US Army, a 0.004 inch oversized .220 cal rifled gun barrel was plated with 0.002 inches of
tungsten, restoring its original bore size. The plated barrel and an unplated standard barrel were test fired with 1500 rounds of .220 Swift. Less erosion was experienced over a shorter barrel length in the tungsten plated barrel than in the unplated barrel. November: The USASASA begins limited operations.
Admiral McCain requests data on the availability and cost of t he M14 for equipping the South Korean military. The Department of the Army replies that there is a study underway to determine whether the Army should retain both the M14 and M16, or standardize solely on the M16. They cannot provide the availability and cost data until this decision is made. Given an increase in the number of border incidents and infiltrations, COMUSKOREA and the Commanding General of the US Eighth Army request expedited delivery of the 10,000 M16 and accessories budgeted in the FY 1968 Korea MAP Supplemental. CINCUSARPAC concurs in the recommendation and requests that Admiral McCain consider an increase in rifle production to allow for early distribution of the M16 to the ROK Army and the US Eighth Army, as well as meeting RVNAF modernization requirements. The Department of the Army provides the AMC with the data necessary to make a partial shipment of 2,500 rifle immediately, with preparations for 3,000 each from November and January production. Admiral McCain contacts COMUSKOREA with alternative plans for South Korean rifle modernization. Among the alternatives are the issue of the M14 or a mix of the M14 and M16. He requests clarification as to what weapons COMUSKOREA had recommended to the Koreans and justification for upgrading support troops. The rifle modernization plan also needs to be prioritized against other Korean requirement. In addition, McCain requests the size of the loan desired for the modernization plan. CINCUSARPAC expresses concern that US Army units in South Korea are not being prioritized in receipt of the M16 versus ROK Army and Marines. In a message to the JCS, Admiral McCain concurs with the plans of expedited shipments of the first 8,500 of 10,000 M16 for the South Korean, but recommends that the remaining 1,500 be provided from other than PACOM allocations. COMUSKOREA replies to Admiral McCain that he still recommends construction of a M16 plant in South Korea; however, the choice of the M16 was solely the Koreans'. COMUSKOREA argues that: 1) The M16's design was inspired by the US' previous combat experience in Korea; 2) The South Koreans already have combat experience with the M16 in Vietnam; 3) It would give the South Koreans parity with the North Korean's AK-47; 4) South Korean forces would suffer a loss in morale if issued an older, less capable surplus weapon; and
5) The M16 will most likely be standardized by the US Army, and South Korean adoption of the M16 will simplify logistics between the two nations. COMUSKOREA also recommends the arsenal expansion to meet the Koreans' ammunition needs. He estimates it will cost $70 to $75 million for construction of the M16 plant, manufacture of the 600,000 rifles, expansion of the arsenal, and manufacture of a five year supply of training, basic load, and war reserve ammunition The US Country Team for the Philippines recommends to Secretary of State Rusk that Colt be allowed to license production of the M16. This will satisfy the political needs of President Marcos, provide standardization with the US and its Asian allies, add to US export sales, ease pressure of the MAP budget, and save the possible embarrassment of the Philippines pursuing a licensing agreement with another country. The Chief of the US Military Equipment Delivery Team-Burma advises Admiral McCain that officials of the Burmese Ministry of Defense have requested 10 M16 and 33,000 rounds of ammunition for test and evaluation. The Burmese Defense Forces are interested in their suitability for counterinsurgency mission. McCain contacts CINCUSARPAC for the availability of the items requested, who passes along the request to the Department of the Army. McCain also advises the MEDT Chief that if the Burmese tests result in a larger order, follow-on deliveries will not be available until FY 1971 due to the current heavy demand for M16. End-user comments indicate that Colt's modified "noise and flash suppressor" for the XM177E2 is prone to rapid fouling, reducing the efficiency of the sound suppression. It is also found that the M193 ball projectile is prone to excessive yaw once this fouling had progressed far enough. The effect on the XM196 tracer is even worse, occasionally leading to in-air breakup of the projectile. Most troubling is that cyclic rate problems caused by ball powder in the parent M16 rifle are even worse in the XM177 family. Colt estimates that a complete ballistic/kinematics study of the XM177E2 will take 6 months at a cost of $400,000. In response, the US Army suggests an in-house, 29 month, $635,000 R&D study. However, this proves to be straw that breaks the camel's back in regards to additional procurement. The Human Resources Research Organization releases " Training Implications, Extended Field Test, Infantry Rifle Unit Study, IRUS - 75 (IRUS IIBX)." The AAI grenade launcher is type-classified under the designation XM203. The report " Noise Suppressor Assembly HEL E4A" is published. Olin-Winchester's James H. Johnson and Julius E. Brooks receive US Patent #3,410,175 titled "Recoil Assembly for Firearm."
December: GM-Hydramatic delivers its first 100 rifles two weeks
ahead of H&R. Two of the H&R rifles fail 6,000 round endurance testing, one to a cracked bolt and the other due to excessive failures to chamber. The Department of the Army indicates that there no M16 available for purchase to meet the Burmese request. Admiral McCain questions CINCUSARPAC as to whether there were enough rifles available so that they could loan the 10 rifles and ammunition to Burma. CINCUSARPAC replies that the rifles could be loaned but that the Burmese would need to purchase the ammunition. CINCUSARPAC advises Admiral McCain that the introduction of additional M16 rifles to USARV will not generate any surplus M14 as these rifles are will be needed for CONUS training units. Secretary of State Rusk informs Admiral McCain and the US Embassy in Singapore that the US Government has given approval to Colt to negotiate a license agreement with Singapore for a domestic M16 manufacturing facility. However, any license agreement will still require US review prior to approval. Rusk emphasizes that there will be no US financial support for the venture and Singapore will not be able to export the rifles without US approval. The US military transfers 10,000 M16 rifles to the South Korean Army. These are intended for use in defense against North Korea, not for ROK troops stationed in Vietnam. The DOD specialist team submits their final report to Admiral McCain regarding South Korean M16 co-production. Their final report differs only slightly from their interim report: estimated material costs for 5.56mm ammunition is higher while costs for expanding the ROK arsenal is smaller. The new overall cost estimate ranges from $78 to $83 million versus COMUSKOREA's earlier estimate of $70 to 75 million. Admiral McCain adds cost estimates for royalties and followon spares to settle upon a final figure of ~$97 million. Admiral McCain writes the JCS requesting that the Department of the Army accelerate their determination of whether the US Army will retain a mix of M14 and M16, or standardize solely on the M16. Whether or not surplus M14 will become available will help decide which rifle to provide the South Korean military. As long as no extra funds are required from the MAP budget, McCain recommends that the US should support the Koreans' small arms modernization plans. The US State Department informs the US Embassy in Manila that the US has approved Colt's request to negotiate a license agreement with the Philippines for a domestic M16 manufacturing facility. However, any license agreement will still require US review prior to approval. There will be no US financial support for the venture, and
the Philippines will not be able to export the rifles without US approval. Approval is given only for the manufacture of M16 rifles. Embassy officials are to emphasize that the US does not endorse the project as they believe it to be uneconomical. In communication with the JCS and the Chief of JUSMAG-PHIL, Admiral McCain states that he agrees with the view that Philippine M16 co-production is not justified economically nor militarily. McCain believes that the Philippine military has higher priority requirements which could use the funding that will be spent in establishing a manufacturing plant. Construction of a Philippine ammunition factory is tentatively approved. Aberdeen's BRL issues the report "Effectiveness Comparison of 1:12 and 1:14 Inch Twist Rates for M16A1 Rifle." Frankford Arsenal publishes the report " Investigation of 5.56mm, Cartridge Lot LC-12387 in Standard 5.56mm, M16A1 Rifles." Authorization is given for 600 XM203 to be assembled and sent to Vietnam for extended testing. The great irony is that after AAI completes this 600-launcher order, all further production contracts for M203 are awarded to Colt. On behalf of the US Army, Harvey H. Friend files a patent application for a combined extractor/ejector for the Winchester/Springfield semi-auto grenade launcher attachment. 1969...
The US Army's plan to equip all basic combat training units with the M16A1 rifle is modified as a result of diversions to the high priority modernization program for South Vietnamese troops. Thus, only units at Fort Gordon and Fort Jackson are equipped with the M16A1. The conversion is now scheduled to be completed in February 1970. The US provides a military assistance grant of 516,464 M16A1 to South Vietnam. The US provides a military assistance grant of 4,042 M16A1 to Laos. Lake City begins production of M196 using GMCS jackets. This is discontinued years later due to complaints of barrel erosion. Industries Valcartier Inc. (IVI) of Canada begins production of a 68 grain 5.56mm Ball cartridge. This and a companion 800m tracer are later designated XM287 Ball and XM288 Tracer by the US Army. Frankford Arsenal publishes test results on the solid steel Nosler projectiles. They are considered insufficiently stable, but Frankford
recommends that they be studied further for their low cost and ease of manufacture. The Infantry School publishes " Analysis of Vietnam Weapons Questionnaires (M16A1 Rifle and Others)." The CDC publishes " Infantry Rifle Unit Study, IRUS-75, Phase 1" and " Infantry Rifle Unit Study, IRUS-75, Phase 2." Cadillac Gage introduces a right-hand feed mechanism for the Stoner LMG, which replaces the feed cover and feed tray. However, the existing belt boxes are only configured for left-hand feed. Thus, work on an improved belt box begins, resulting in the definitive 100 round box. The West German government awards individual contracts to Diehl, HK, and IWK for caseless ammunition and weapon research. HK engineers Tilo Möller, Günter Kästner, Dieter Ketterer, and Ernst Wössner begin work on what becomes the caseless G11 rifle. The Royal Thai Army contracts with HK for 15,000 complete HK 33, parts to assemble an additional 25,000 HK 33, and the eventual manufacture of 30,000 HK 33 completely with Thailand. France begins preliminary studies for a new assault rifle. The first prototypes of what becomes the FAMAS are made. USASASA starts a Personal Defense Weapon program. Colt's Henry Into begins work on what will later be dubbed the SCAMP. Sionics loans the US Army 20 MAW-A1 suppressors for field trials in Vietnam. January: Admiral McCain submits two plans for South Korean rifle
modernization. The first is the before mentioned M16 co-production plant, and the other is supplying a mix of M14 and M16. 250,000 M14 could be provided from US sources for infantry maneuver units, while M16 could be provided for counter-infiltration battalions and other internal defense units. In reply, the JCS suggest providing 255,000 M16 from US production for Korean maneuver units, and 360,000 M14 for support personnel. All three of the plans will include the conversion of the ROK arsenal to manufacture the required ammunition. However, the Department of the Army can only provide tentative data on the availability of the M14, and warns that the M14 may not be available for free to the Koreans. Concurring with Admiral McCain's position, the JCS recommends that alternatives to Philippine M16 co production be examined, even though the Philippine government appears politically unwilling to
accept anything less. Aberdeen files the report " Analysis of Consolidated Cyclic Rate Data for M16A1 Rifle." Frankford Arsenal releases the report " A Study of the Effects of Cartridge Case Mouth Waterproofing Compound on Fouling in the 5.56MM, M16A1 Rifle." Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report " A Comparative Evaluation of the 7.62MM and 5.56MM, G3 Assault Rifles." A test was conducted with 7.62mm G3 and 5.56mm HK 33 Assault Rifles to evaluate and compare the kinematics, reliability, safety features, physical characteristics, recoil impulse, rates of fire, projectile velocities, muzzle motion and accuracy of the weapons. No serious problems were detected during the tests, and the reliability of the weapons was comparable. The British MOD tests yet another AR-18, a Howa production model. The mud tests continue to pose problems for the design. WECOM publicly announces its SFR contract award to AAI. GE is also issued a contract for revamping the Springfield SPIW. Colt's John Jorczak files a patent application for an improved sight for an attached grenade launcher. February: The Department of the Army informs Admiral McCain
that firm cost and availability data on the M14 for South Korea will not be available until Army Secretary Resor and the new Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird approve the cost-effectiveness study of the US Army standardizing solely on the M16. Admiral McCain contacts the JCS outlining why he does not consider their January proposal for reequipping the South Koreans to be a practical solution. McCain recommends that further consideration of Korean M16 co-production be deferred until firm cost and availability data for the M14 can be determined. In reply, the JCS suggests providing 100,000 M16 from US production to meet the immediate Korean Counter-Infiltration/Guerilla and Force Improvement Requirement (CIGFIR), and supporting Korean co-production of 510,000 M16. Admiral McCain passes along the JCS suggestion to COMUSKOREA, who in reply does not concur. Instead, COMUSKOREA recommends providing 30,000 M16 via CIGFIR funding, and continues to support the full plan for Korean co-production of 600,000 rifles. The Army Materiel Systems Analysis Agency (AMSAA) publishes "Small Arms Weapon Systems (SAWS) Effectiveness Models and Assumptions."
WECOM's Research and Engineering Directorate publishes " Arctic Test for Small Arms Lubricants (Winter 1966-1967)." An Engineer Design Test of small arms lubricants was conducted at the Army Arctic Test Center utilizing MIL-L-14107 (LAW), MIL-L-46000 (LSA), MIL-L-46010 (S/F) and a pair of experimental lubricants. The weapons utilized were M14 and XM16E1 rifles and M60 and M73 machine guns. The purpose of the test was to determine the suitability of the lubricants under winter (-10 to -59 degrees F) and spring "break up" (32 degrees to 44 degrees F) conditions as compared to the currently authorized lubricant LAW. Data were obtained concerning the number of malfunctions and evidence of rust, carbon and wear for each lubricant, and the ease of lubricant application. It is concluded that the pair of experimental lubricants are best suited for use on all of the weapons. William C. Davis and James B. Ackley file the report "Results of a Dispersion Test of 2,000 1:12 and 1:14 Twist M16A1 Rifle Barrels." Aberdeen's D&PS publishes the report "Comparison Tests of M16A1 Rifles." March: Admiral McCain proposes two new plans for South Korean
rifle modernization. In the first plan, 40,000 M16 will be provided from US production and paid for via MAP and CIGFIR funds. The Korean M16 co-production will then involve 570,000 rifles. In the second plan, 20,000 M16 will be provided from US production and paid for via MAP and CIGFIR funds. These will be supplied to quick reaction forces, and ROK infantry maneuver units will receive 230,000 M14. Support personnel will retain their existing weapons. McCain indicates that he will concur with the JCS recommendation from February as long as the cost of 60,000 of the M16 does not come from the MAP budget. A week later Admiral McCain concedes that cost and availability data for the M14 will not be provided soon. Thus, all options for supplying the South Korean with M14 should be discarded. McCain now supports Korean M16 co-production as long as it does not represent a continuing cost to the MAP budget beyond the first six years. The Koreans will require a loan of $25 to $35 million for capital investment, and they will cover any labor and utility costs through their own national budget. The MAP budget will cover the costs of raw materials, but the Koreans will progressively take a larger share of the costs over the following years. Colt's Robert Fremont files a patent application for an improved magazine design which would prevent double-feeding of cartridges. The SEALs request an official "Mark" number for their Stoner Commando LMG. Testing firing begins for the completed CMG-2 prototype.
Afterwards, Colt begins demonstrations for the US military. Spring: In response to requests from SEAL Team Two for even
higher magazine capacities, Colt delivers a prototype 50-round magazine. The magazine is fabricated from three 20-round magazines welded end to end. The design uses a special follower paired with a pair of constant-force springs. (This feature was designed by Navy engineers at Naval Weapons Laboratory (NWL) Dahlgren.) 35 magazines are known to be made to this pattern for testing by the US Navy. However, their performance is considered to be poor. NWL-Dahlgren later designs a series of 50-rd magazines on its own. April: In a memorandum to Secretary of Defense Laird, the JCS
recommends: 1) accepting modernization of the South Korean rifle inventory with the M16 as a desirable and pressing military requirement; 2) providing Korea up to 100,000 M16 from US production and allowing the remainder to be manufactured in Korea; and 3) approving the delivery to Korea of 30,000 M16 as an urgent military requirement. WECOM initiates case study of M16 rife negotiations. Colt's Robert Fremont receives US Patent #3,440,751 titled "Firearm Box Magazine with Straight End and Intermediate Arcuate Portions." William C. Davis and James B. Ackley file the report " An Investigation of Gas-Port Pressures for Two Lots of 5.56mm Ammunition Containing Two Different Types of Powder ." The CDC files the report " Noise Suppressor for M16 Rifle and Night Vision Device." FN's Ernest Vervier receives US Patent #3,440,925 titled "Automatic Firearm with Burst Control Means." 500 XM203 are sent to Vietnam for a three-month evaluation to determine its suitability for tactical use by US Army units. ACTIV distributes the launchers to the 1st, 4th, and 25th Infantry Division, the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On behalf of the US Army, Herman F. Hawthorne receives US Patent #3,437,039 titled "Multicharge Cartridge for Multibarrel Automatic Guns." May: In a joint statement, Secretary of State William P. Rogers and
Secretary of Defense Laird announce that the US Government agrees in principle to establish a plant for the manufacture of M16 rifles in South Korea. Final approval hinges upon further study of the politico-economic implications.
Aberdeen publishes the report "Combined Initial Production and Inspection Comparison Tests of M16A1 Rifles." Remington publishes the report "Report, Feasibility Study to Investigate the Sensitivity of Certain Small Caliber Incendiary Type Bullets." Remington's study had been conducted on behalf of Aberdeen's BRL. The report "Burst Control Selector M16" is published. WECOM's Science and Technology Laboratory publishes "New Preservative Lubricants for Small Arms Weapons for Use in a Tropical and Saline Environment ." Comparative laboratory evaluations were made with several experimental and conventional preservative lubricants for small-arms weapons. The evaluations covered the protective capacity of these materials on Aluminum 7075 T6 and steel alloy in saline, high-temperature, and high humidity conditions, which simulate the Vietnam environment. IWK's Ludwig Six and Rudolf Niemann receive US Patent #3,442,216 titled "Infantry Rifle Bullet." The military specifications for the M199 and M232 Dummy Cartridges are amended. Aberdeen's BRL publishes " Drag and Stability Properties of the XM144 Fléchette with Various Head Shapes." The drag and stability properties of a family of conical head fléchette are presented, with cone angles varying from 5 to 90 degrees. The data cover a range from Mach 2 to Mach 4, determined from free flight spark range tests. Limited results on a spike-nose configuration are also discussed. June: Colt Industries splits the Firearms Division into military and
civilian production units. Paul A. Benke is promoted to VicePresident of Colt Industries and becomes the executive in charge of the new Firearms Group. William H. Goldbach is named President of the Military Arms Division. Colt representatives begin negotiations with South Korean officials regarding a commercial licensing agreement for the M16. Several points of dispute surface. Colt representatives are unwilling to offer in-country production of more than 20 parts, with the remainder to be purchased from Colt. Korean representatives claim that the earlier technical study led them to believe that they would be able to produce the entire rifle. Moreover, Colt's proposal of partial construction is more expensive than the estimates for 100 percent Korean construction. The FY 1970 Philippine MAP contains 1,454 M16 for the Philippine military.
The Naval Training Device Center publishes the report "Ballistic Tests on the M16 Training Cartridge." Colt's Henry Into and John Jorczak file a patent application for the trap-door buttstock. WECOM designates the AAI SFR as the "XM19 Rifle, 5.6mm, Primer Activated Fléchette Firing." At Springfield, GE has redesigned their SPIW, eliminating 58 parts from the 1966 model. GE lobbies for development of fléchette cartridges based on the 5.56mm M193 cartridge case. This would allow them the option of producing either a SFR, a micro-caliber SBR, or even a standard 5.56x45mm weapon. GE even proposes necking the 5.56x45mm case out to 6mm, especially with the saboted ammunition types. The larger bore volume is cited as having the side benefit of reducing flash and blast, equivalent to an extra five inches of barrel length. OlinWinchester chooses a separate path, developing multiple-fléchette cartridges. (Note: The intended grenade launcher attachment for the competing rifles is to be either the XM203 or the DBCATA.) On behalf of the US Army, Stanley Silsby files a patent application for an improved version of the side-by-side magazine used by Springfield Armory's 2nd Gen. SPIW (AKA: The current GE SFR.) Dale M. Davis files a patent application for the basic design of what will become the IMP. July: The first competitive bidding for M16A1 rifles results in awards
to Colt (DAAF03-70-C-0001) for 458,435 M16A1 and to GMHydramatic (DAAF03-70-C-0002) for 229,217 M16A1. Initially worth ~$41 million, Colt's contract is later changed to total 407,937 M16A1 and 65,000 M16. In testimony before the Ichord Subcommittee, MG Walter J. Woolwine, AMC Deputy Commanding General of Materiel Acquisition, states that the M16A1 rifles produced by H&R are "a very fine quality." The next day, government inspectors reject five lots of rifles at H&R. The issues include defective bolts and bolt carriers, and failures to pass accuracy and endurances tests. Later in the month, the Army completely stops acceptance of rifles from H&R. The FY 1970 Taiwan MAP contains $1 million for 5,000 M16. Frankford Arsenal begins a three-year development effort to create a viable aluminum cartridge case for 5.56mm cartridges. CDCEC publishes " Infantry Rifle Unit Study 1970-1975 (IRUS75): Phase IIB-X, Extended Duration Field Experiment ." The military specifications for the M199 and M232 Dummy Cartridges are amended for a second time.
Colt's Robert Fremont receives US Patent #3,453,762 titled "Disposable Magazine Having a Protective Cover and Follower Retaining Means." AR-18 production begins at ArmaLite's Costa Mesa facility. Representative Richard L. Ottinger (D-NY) writes the US Comptroller General concerning the General Accounting Office's (GAO) investigation of the Future Rifle Program, specifically the SPIW. August: Discussions continue between the South Korean MND and
US OSD regarding M16 co-production. The US Army's Marksmanship Training Unit publishes the results of accuracy testing initiated by Colt. Three standard M16 have been pitted against a trio of heavy barrel M16 rifles. Three National Match M14 rifles are used as the control. At 300m, the heavy barrel M16 rifles produce an average group of 7.6" versus 12" from the issue M16 rifle. The M14NM rifles average 6.4". The MTU reports the obvious superiority of the heavy barreled rifles over the standard M16 rifles. However, they recommend that a heavier bullet and faster rifling twist be investigated for M16 use at ranges exceeding 300m. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "M16 Gas Tube Fouling -Composition, Properties, and Means of Elimination." Aberdeen issues the report "Product Improvement Test of Redesigned Bolt Catch." Aberdeen's BRL publishes "Terminal Behavior of the 5.56 mm M193 Ball Bullet in Soft Targets." WECOM's Science and Technology Laboratory publishes "Mechanical Property Evaluations of 7075 Aluminum Alloy Forgings for the M16A1 Lower Receiver ." The AMSAA publishes " Effectiveness of the 7.62mm M60 Machine Gun (Firing M80 Ball) and the 5.56mm Stoner Machine Gun (Firing M193 Ball and Several Low-Drag Configuration Bullets)." ACTIV files the report " XM203 Grenade Launcher Attachment Development ." The evaluation finds that the XM203 is suitable for use by US Army units in Vietnam. During combat, personnel prefer to use the XM203 rather than the M79 because the M16/XM203 combo provides greater fire power and versatility. The battle sight and the quadrant sight are useful during training. However, the following changes need to be made: Remove the front sling swivel; Modify the trigger so the safety does not inadvertently slip
to the safe position; Modify the trigger guard so the firer's fingers will not be pinched between the trigger guard and the M16's magazine; Checker the handgrip of the XM203 to give the firer better purchase when his hands become slippery; Modify the sling for attachment to the front sight and buttplate; Modify the handguard insert so it does not break when the firer tries to disengage it from the front; It is recommended that the XM203 replace the M79, the modifications detailed be made, and that the quadrant sight be eliminated. The recommendation on adoption is accepted and the XM203 becomes the M203. Debell and Richardson Inc. publish " Development of Plastic Disposable Magazine for XM16E1 Rifle." Following the preliminary design studies and material selection, three design concepts were carried into the pilot production stage and field tested. Work was done at the same time on ways to retain rounds in loaded magazines, and on the design and pilot production of a protective cover for loaded magazines. On behalf of the US Army, Stanley Silsby files a patent application for yet another improved version of the side-by-side magazine used by Springfield Armory's 2nd Gen. SPIW (AKA: The current GE SFR.) September: The maximum allowable level of calcium carbonate in
ball powders is reduced from 1 percent to 0.25 percent. Sen. William Proxmire (D-WI) alleges that the South Vietnamese Government has offered for sale weapons provided by the US, including over 5,000 M16, to private arms dealers. The military specification for 5.56mm Reference cartridges, MIL-C46397A, is revised to MIL-C-46397B. Representatives from the OPMR contact ArmaLite for price quotes on AR-18 rifles and licensing rights. This information for an undisclosed client. ArmaLite offers licensing rights for $500,000 and a 5 percent royalty on each rifle produced. Litton Scientific Support Laboratory publishes " XM148 Investigation." October: Aberdeen publishes the report "Operational Reliability
Study of M16A1 Rifle" Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Deformation
Characteristics of One Lot (LC SP412) of 5.56mm M193 Ammunition." Physical measurements of the ammunition were taken before and after launch and the results compared on an individual basis. Rounds were launched at standard muzzle velocity, recovered and refired at a reduced velocity and compared with other rounds launched only at the same reduced velocity. Several before and after launch rounds were contour measured and comparisons were made on the shape of the projectile. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Bullet-in-Bore Study of 5.56MM, Ball, M193 Cartridge and M16A1 Rifle." This test consisted of the firing of cartridges crimped to 100 pound average bullet pull (normal representative production value), 35 pound average bullet pull (minimum specification requirement) and uncrimped cartridges, all reassembled without propellant from each of two 5.56mm, ball, M193 cartridge lots (LC12507 and TW18310) in each of three M16A1 Rifles with varying records of rounds fired. WECOM's Future Weapons Systems Division publishes the report " A Methodology for Choosing the Best Caliber for a Light Infantry Machinegun." The best caliber is taken to be that one which yields the greatest effective range under constraints on weapon recoil energy and system weight. For bullets and guns having a particular configuration, relationships are developed which express these constraints. Semi-empirical expressions for recoil energy and system weight are obtained as functions of caliber and muzzle velocity. When energy and weight are constrained, a feasible region is defined in the two-dimensional space of caliber and muzzle velocity. Within this feasible regions, the greatest effective range is found at the smallest caliber (and largest muzzle velocity.) Aberdeen also publishes the report " Engineer Design Test of 20Round Plastic Magazine for M16A1 Rifles." A series of engineering design tests was conducted on 20-round plastic magazines of 6-10 nylon with 50% fiberglass reinforcement, for the M16A1 rifle. Equal numbers of test and control magazines were subjected to a series of comparative evaluations to determine function performance characteristics and material durability at extreme and ambient range temperatures, and in adverse conditions of mud, sand, dust, and water. The test magazine material was also checked for compatibility with various nonstandard solvents and lubricants. A displacement time study was made of the magazines to determine cartridge positioning characteristics during firing. The test results reveal that the test magazine requires further design engineering to improve performance in adverse conditions and to increase material durability at low temperature. USMC issues a request to the AMC for further tests of the Stoner 63A1 machine gun, rifle, and carbine. The tests are to be conducted in two phases: 1) engineering design tests by WECOM, and 2) engineering tests by Aberdeen. Successful completion of Phase 1 is a prerequisite to Phase 2.
CDCEC publishes " XM19 Serially Fired Fléchette Weapon Evaluation." At Frankford Arsenal, Andrew J. Grandy publishes " A New Concept for the SPIW ." Grandy's folded path cartridge concept is examined for use with a multi-fléchette .330 SPIW cartridge. A .330 inch folded system was designed, fabricated, and tested. The system was capable of being used in full and partially recoiless firing modes. November: Production of XM177-type weapons is deleted from the
second-source contracts. LTC Rex D. Wing replaces COL Alvin C. Isaacs as PMR. Isaacs has been selected for promotion to Brigadier General and reassignment as Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM). WECOM concludes case study of M16 rife negotiations. The USAIB publishes "The Development of Combat-Related Measures of Effectiveness for Small Arms Weapons Systems ." The Army Logistics Management Center publishes " Analysis of Program Factor-Demand Relationships for M16 Rifle Parts." This report contains results of an empirical study of the relationship that exists between demand for parts of the M16 and rifle density or round expenditure. Actual demands from Vietnam and the actual monthly density and round expenditure in Vietnam for 1967 and 1968 are used in the analyses. Density appears to have no bearing on demand. Round expenditure seems to affect demand but the changes are not proportional. Moreover, forecasts of future round expenditure are not very reliable. Since Secretary of Defense Laird believes that the cost of producing 600,000 M16 is too high for the South Korean government to support over six years, the DOD considers two new plans for South Korean rifle modernization. The first is to allow Korean production of only 300,000 M16. The second is to substitute Korean production of 600,000 AR-18. The AR-18 is believed to be significantly easier and cheaper to produce. The US Army is expected to expedite testing of the AR-18 so that results will be available by February 1970. On behalf of the US Navy, Robert A. Leverance and Morrison B. Moore, III file a patent application for a lightweight, inexpensive sound suppressor for the M16 that is easily drained during amphibious operations. The letter " Evaluation of AAI SFR" is sent to the commanding officer of the USASASA. The US Army begins renewed testing of the AR-18. Tests are
conducted at Aberdeen and by the Infantry Board at Fort Benning. The British publish a report titled " Future Small Arms, An Intermediate Calibre Solution." December: The US State Department grants an export license for
10,000 M16 rifles for the Brazilian Air Force three years after the initial request. Brazilian officials had cancelled the order a year earlier. Aberdeen files the report "Reliability Characteristics of the M16A1 and M14 Rifle Systems at Low Temperatures." Colt's Kanemitsu (Koni) Ito receives US Patent #3,482,322 titled "Method for Preventing Malfunction of a Magazine Type Firearm and Gage for Conducting Same." The US Army reports on tests of Colt's latest belt-fed LMG, the CMG2. Despite using the 68 grain GX-6235, the CMG-2 is considered to not offer enough range or a high enough rate of fire. The Stoner 63 Commando LMG (w/ right-hand feed) is officially type classified by the US Navy under the designation "Gun, Machine, 5.56mm Mark 23 Mod 0." 48 of these are eventually procured. The USAF awards a contract to Colt for the construction of four Individual Multi-Purpose Weapons (IMP), as a proposed air crew survival weapon. The original goals for the weapon are a "lethal" range of 100 meters, a weight of less than 1.5 pounds, a maximum length under 13," and a minimum magazine capacity of 7 rounds. Dale M. Davis of the USAF's Armament Laboratory (Eglin AFB) is responsible the stockless bullpup design which others dub an "arm gun." The Colt IMP, later designated the GUU-4/P, are technology demonstrators chambered in .221 Remington Fireball. The .221 Fireball is chosen because in falls in size between the intended final chamberings. The intent is to chamber a survival rifle variant for an experimental .17 caliber cartridge based on a Frankford SPIW case. Firing a 25 grain bullet at 3000 fps, it measures 1.725" in length and 0.333" in diameter at the base. A rifle/submachine gun variant is also envisioned chambered for the standard 5.56x45mm. (The latter idea is developed and marketed commercially years later by Mack Gwinn Sr. and Mack Gwinn Jr. as the Bushmaster pistol.) At least one of the IMP prototypes is rebarreled years later for a trio of .30 caliber wildcats intended for suppressed use. One of these cartridges is based upon a slightly shortened .30 Carbine case while the other two are based upon shortened 5.56mm cases (sort of a stubby forerunner to J.D. Jones' later Whisper experiments). Eglin will also later (circa 1973) use the IMP in .221 to test Remington experimental cartridges using hybrid polymer/brass cartridge cases. These are often found loaded with a saboted .17 caliber projectile. (Next: 5.56mm 1970-1973)
