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The Gun Zone 5.56mm 'Prologue'

Part Seven...

5.56mm 1957-1962 5.56mm 1963-1964 5.56mm 1965-1966 5.56mm 1967 5.56mm 1968-1969

The 5.56 X 45mm: 1970-1973

A Chronology of Development by Daniel Watters
1970...
Dr. Carten, now Chief of the Technical Evaluation Branch of the AMC's Research, Development, & Equipment Directorate, submits the report "The M16 Rifle - A Case History to the Blue Ribbon Defense Panel." Carten pins the primary blame for M16 malfunctions on the lack of specifications for case hardness. (Somewhere along the line, Colt reduced the strength of the extractor spring to help prevent rim shear. After it was found that this caused its own problems, Colt introduced the rubber nub insert for the extractor spring.) WECOM issues "M16 Series Rifle Weapon System - Transition Plan." The US Army begins delivery of M16A1 to National Guard units. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "M16 Rifle/Ammunition Malfunction Modeling." Production of the XM177E2 ends. CIS begins manufacture of M16S rifles in Singapore. The US provides a military assistance grant of 83,762 M16A1 to South Vietnam. The US provides a military assistance grant of 16,162 M16A1 to Laos. The US provides a military assistance grant of 3,376 M16A1 to Cambodia. ArmaLite experiments with coated projectiles in hopes of reducing bore friction. The coating is a new process developed by Du-Kote. ArmaLite also introduces the compact AR-18S. C4 booby-trapped 5.56mm cartridges are encountered in the Phu

5.56mm 1970-1973 5.56mm 1974-1979 5.56mm 1980-1985 5.56mm 1986-1989 5.56mm 1990-1994 5.56mm 1995-1999 5.56mm 2000-2001 5.56mm 2002-2003 5.56mm 2004 5.56mm 2005 5.56mm 2006 5.56mm 2007 5.56mm 2008 5.56mm 2009 5.56mm Propellant 5.56mm FAQ - v1.14 5.56mm v. .223 Rem Flchette / SPIW Multiplex / SALVO Green Ammo TGZ Blog

Daniel Watters' suggested

Yen province of Vietnam. One soldier is killed and another wounded in separate incidents. EOD personal confirmed the contents. (Note: Dean has sources which indicate that conventional rifle primers should not be sufficient to detonate C4. However, I am including this claim from David R. Hughes for future reference. If Hughes' claims are indeed genuine, perhaps the C4 acts as a bore obstruction for subsequent shots, inadvertently providing the desired destruction of the weapon.)

syllabus
The Black Rifle by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Second Edition. Collector Grade Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1992. The Great Rifle Controversy by Edward C. Ezell. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1984.

Frankford Arsenal produces a variant of the FA-XM sound suppressor for use on the XM177. These are intended for use by USAF Combat The M16 Controversies by Control Teams (CCT). Thomas L. McNaugher. Praeger Recently transferred from the USASASA to the T.J. Rodman Laboratory (Rock Island), AAI's XM19 program continues to debug the design. Early in the year, the CDEC starts a new series of field experiments at Fort Ord using the XM19. The British Director General Weapons (Army) instructs Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) Enfield to begin a two-year Preliminary Study to consider future replacements for the 7.62mm NATO cartridge and the L1A1 SLR. Calibers ranging from 4mm to 7.62mm are to be considered. The West German Department of Defense completes a list of design criteria for a new combat rifle. These design criteria are as follows: Total length of the weapon less than 750 mm Total weight of weapon including 100 rounds under 4.5 kg A minimum of 50 rounds on the weapon Full performance even under adverse conditions High hit probability in three round burst An effective range without sight adjustment out to 300m Spain restarts testing of the 4.6x36mm. IWK experiments with a 4x37mm cartridge. RWS introduces the 5.6x50mm Magnum. It is a rimless version of the 5.6x50mmR Magnum introduced two years earlier. January: Secretary of Defense Laird approves the FY 1970 Taiwan MAP. Olin admits that WC846's manufacturing tolerances have played a role in cartridge performance. WC846 best suited for use in the 5.56x45mm is at the opposite tolerance end from WC846 best suited for 7.62mm NATO cartridges. Other manufacturers were not made aware of the differences. Henceforth, WC846 suitable for 5.56x45mm is relabeled as WC844. The remainder of the WC846

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 Grade Publications, Toronto, Ontario, 1985. Black Rifle II: The M16 into the 21st Century by Christopher R. Bartocci. Collector Grade 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 Flchette and Project SPIW, as well as .30 Carbine Wildcats and Miniguns and the Movies.

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Document History Publication: 12/10/1998 Last Revised: 05/17/2009

tolerance range retains the WC846 label. Fort Benning performs weather resistance testing on brass and steel cased cartridges. The cartridges are test fired after 30 days of exposure. ArmaLite submits to WECOM the proposal "Production of the AR18 Rifle in the ROK Compared to M16." February: The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC expresses interest in a FMS purchase of 5,000 M16, 50,000 magazines, and 4.75 million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. JUSMAG-PHIL and the US Embassy recommend against allowing the purchase. Instead delivery should be expedited of the 1,208 M16 programmed under the FY 1970 MAP. The rifles could be paid for by transferring the purchase of diesel fuel from the MAP budget to FMS funds. Admiral McCain suggests the alternative of allowing the 1,208 M16 to be purchased by FMS funds to allow MAP funds to be spent on other priorities. JUSMAG-PHIL indicates that the Chief of Staff of the Philippine military has stated that they would be willing to cover the cost of commercial consumables if delivery of the M16 can be expedited. With this, Admiral McCain forwards his recommendation to the JCS and Secretary of Defense Laird to expedite delivery of the 1,208 rifles along with ammunition. Thailand receives 23,806 M16. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Elimination of Gas Tube Fouling in the M16A1 Rifle when using the M200 Blank Cartridge." The culprit turned out to be the use of a white lacquer used by Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant to seal the crimp of the blank cartridge. The titanium dioxide pigment in the white lacquer caused the observed fouling. Frankford recommends that clear or organically dyed lacquers be substituted for future M200 production runs. Frankford also releases the report "Metallurgical Examination of Fouled Gas Tube and Flash Suppressor from an M16A1 Rifle." Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "The Gas Flow in GasOperated Weapons." The theory presented here predicts the pressure history in the gas cylinder and the motion of the piston for a given pressure and temperature history in the barrel. General Electric's Armament Department publishes "Proposal for Development of a Special Purpose Individual Weapon." This document covers their SFR/SBR developments to date. However, it appears that GE never receives any further funding to follow up on their recommendations, effecting shelving the revised GE/Springfield SPIW. March: Secretary of Defense Laird announces that all US troops

assigned to NATO duties will be equipped with the M16/M16A1. All US Army infantry training has been converted from the M14 to the M16A1 rifle. The US Ambassador indicates that the Philippine government still wants to purchase an additional 2,500 M16. The Embassy requests that if a FMS or commercial sale is approved, delivery of these rifles be withheld until after the MAP provided rifles are delivered. Admiral McCain concurs with the recommendation Secretary of Defense Laird approves delivery of the 1,208 M16 to the Philippines from the FY 1970 MAP. He requests that Department of the Army deliver the rifles by April 25. The US State Department approves the sale of 2,500 additional M16 to the Philippines. The CDCIA publishes "Army Small Arms Requirements Study I (ASARS I): In-Process Review." The purpose of ASARS is to develop documented data pertaining to the interaction of variable small arms characteristics, and the capability, through scientific method, of conducting subsequent trade-offs among these characteristics. The results of ASARS, in conjunction with the results of other ARSAP tasks, will assist in the development of the optimum small arms system for the future. In hopes of preventing rim shear, Lake City experiments with 5.56mm cartridges using a thicker rim (0.055" versus the standard 0.045") The USAIB at Fort Benning and Gerald A. Gustafson at Aberdeen each file a report titled "Product Improvement Test of Cartridges, 5.56-MM, Assembled with Steel Cartridge Cases." The purpose of the test was to determine suitability of the 5.56-mm steel-cased cartridges to replace standard brass-cased cartridges, and to determine the physical and technical characteristics of the 5.56-mm steel-cased cartridges. Specific test phases to which the steel-cased cartridges were subjected were physical characteristics, safety, cartridge-weapon compatibility, adverse conditions (60-day open storage period), reliability, and human factors. There were no deficiencies and one shortcoming found: the susceptibility of the test cartridges to rust. There were 47 incidents of split cases out of 21,642 steel-cased rounds fired. However, these split cases did not adversely affect the operation of the weapons. There were 71 malfunctions with weapons firing control cartridges and 53 malfunctions with weapons firing test cartridges. All malfunctions, with the exception of three, were either weapon- or magazinecaused. The blast, flash, noise, and felt recoil produced by the test cartridges were comparable to those of the control cartridges. The test cartridges ejected farther to the rear and right than did the control cartridges. It is concluded that the steel-cased 5.56-mm

cartridges are compatible with the M16A1 rifle and are suitable for US Army use under intermediate climatic conditions. Remington's John J. Scanlon files a patent application for a composite plastic body/metal head cartridge case. On behalf of the US Army, Harold H. Wiese files a patent application for a disposable plastic magazine for the M16. Because problems have been identified in the design of the weapons during engineering design tests by WECOM, the Stoner 63A1 are returned to Cadillac Gage for evaluation. The evaluation of these weapons leads to a redesign program. Navy Ammunition Depot-Crane requests samples of the Colt CMG-2 for testing. April: Secretary of Defense Laird returns the logistic management of M16 rifles to the services. Due the high demand and low supply of the M16 over the past four years, allocation and distribution of the rifles had been controlled by the Secretary of Defense, based on recommendations from the JCS. Re-titled "Product Manager, Rifles," COL Wing's responsibilities are limited to the M16A1, XM203, and related ammunition. The US Navy type-classifies the "Rifle, 5.56mm Mark 4 Mod 0." This is a M16A1 modified for dedicated use with the HEL-M4A suppressor (AKA: Mk 2 Mod 0 blast suppressor) and optimized for maritime operations by the SEALs. Most of the operating parts of the rifle are coated in Kal-Guard, a quarter-inch hole is drilled through the stock and buffer tube for drainage, and an O-ring is added to the end of the buffer assembly. The weapon can reportedly be carried to the depth of 200 feet without damage. Colt presents a contract proposal to the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. The proposal indicates that 2,500 M16 will be shipped within 10 days after a letter of credit or cash payment is delivered to Colt. Meanwhile, the Philippine military takes delivery of the 1,208 M16 from the FY 1970 MAP. The Chief of JUSMAG-PHIL note that this delivery brings the Philippine M16 inventory to 1,408. An additional 1,292 rifles are scheduled for future delivery under the FY 1971 MAP. Should the purchase of the 2,500 rifles be completed, the Philippines could have 5,000 M16 by mid-FY 1972. With this in mind, a technical data package for the manufacture of 5.56mm ammunition has been requested from the AMC to support a Philippine ammunition plant currently under construction. Completion is scheduled for mid-1971. The Commander of MACTHAI informs Admiral McCain that the Thai

government desires to establish a manufacturing capability for the M16. The Thai are requesting information on the availability of equipment and the cost for establishing the capability of producing 1,000-3,000 rifles per month. The Thai believe that the factory could serve a dual purpose of manufacturing civilian goods. While he believes the funds could be better spent on counter-insurgency efforts, the MACTHAI commander feels that the information should be provided so that the Thai government could make an informed decision. Admiral McCain concurs, and passes the request on to Secretary of Defense Laird. McCain requests that Laird comment on whether it is advisable to redirect the Thai government to the US Agency for International Development (AID) or commercial sources for developing a manufacturing capability. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Experimental Study of the Flow Characteristics in the Gas Tube of the M16A1 Rifle" Pier Carlo Beretta files an US patent application for the design of the AR70. Colt's Henry Into receives US Patent #3,507,067 titled "Grenade Launcher Having a Rotatable Forwardly Sliding Barrel and Removable Firing Mechanism." May: Shipments of M16A1 rifles to US Army NATO troops begin. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Evaluation of the 5.56mm Nosler Steel Bullet." The military specification for M193 Ball, MIL-C-9963D, is revised to MIL-C-9963E. The military specification for M197 Tracer, MIL-C-60111A, is revised to MIL-C-60111B. The GAO releases the report "Development and Cost of the Army's Special Purpose Individual Weapon System." It recommends that the US Army does not procure any further SPIWtype weapons until the cost of the ammunition can be reduced. Rep. Ottinger charges that the SPIW has been developed by the US Army without the knowledge of Congress. He describes it as a "secret poison dart gun-type weapon" and "diabolical and inhumane", shooting "flesh-ripping" darts. June: The JCS informs Admiral McCain that current law and regulations do not provide for service funding of ammunition for the Philippine military. Moreover, there are no present stocks of the required ammunition to support the Philippines. The CDCIA publishes the multi-volume "Army Small Arms Requirements Study I."

Aberdeen publishes the report "Initial Production Test of Magazine, 30-Round, for M16A1 Rifles." Testing of the Colt CMG-2 begins at NAD-Crane. The USAF's Marksmanship School releases the report "Evaluation of AR-18 Rifle." Hughes' Morris Goldin files a patent application for the "lockless" firearm principle. July: The South Korean MND announce that construction of a M16 manufacturing plant will begin within the year, contingent upon an US defense loan. Details are still being discussed with Colt. US Army Foreign Science and Technology Center publishes "A Wound Ballistics Comparison of: Bullet, 43-Grain, 5.56-mm Ball, Soviet, MEN-29108 and Bullet, 55-Grain, 5.56-mm Ball, M193, US." Remington provides prototype grenade cartridges for launching the RAG-B ring airfoil grenade. These cartridges are later standardized as the M755. The US Army approves an Advanced Development Objective for a new LMG, introducing the nomenclature "Squad Automatic Weapon." The British Jungle Warfare School's Trial and Development Wing issues the report "Trial of Section 5.56mm Light Machine Guns." CDCEC publishes "XM19: Serially Fired Flchette Weapon Evaluation." AAI publishes "Results of Engineering Study on SPIW Muzzle Device." August: Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Ballistic Evaluation of 5.56MM XM287 Ball (68 Grain) and Matching XM288 Tracer Cartridge for XM207 Machine Gun." Testing of the Colt CMG-2 ends at NAD-Crane. After modifications are made, the three weapons are transferred to the SEALs for field testing. France decides upon the 5.56x45mm for use in its new assault rifle. October: The US Army awards a new $20.8 million contract to Colt (DAAF03-71-C-003). By January 1975, this contract's orders will total 751,245 M16A1 and 2,300 M16 rifles.

In debate over the defense appropriations bill, Rep. Bray speaks out against eliminating funding for one of the three M16 manufacturers. Bray also mentions rumors that the production tooling from the eliminated source would be shipped to a foreign country for coproduction of the rifle. Rep. Robert L.F. Sikes (D-FL) supports the elimination of one of the manufacturers for the saving of $14.3 million, but denies any knowledge of plans to move the tooling to another country. Rep. Bray points out that the original defense appropriations bill passed out of the House Armed Services Committee insisted on maintaining three sources of production, but that someone on the Appropriations Committee amended it to allow for funding only two sources. This was reportedly done on request from the Department of the Army. Rep. Philip J. Philbin (D-MA), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, offers an amendment that would prevent the Army from procuring additional M16 unless three sources were maintained. The amendment is struck down 24 to 40. An US business magazine reports that the US will allow South Korean M16 co-production despite the objections of congressmen and labor unions that this move will result in unemployment of US workers. South Korean negotiations with Colt bog down again. The disagreement centers on patent royalties and treatment of US technicians. Aberdeen releases the report "Military Potential Test of Short Range Cartridges, 5.56-mm Ball, 7.62-mm Ball, and 7.62-mm Tracer." The objectives of the test were to determine the safety of the cartridges when fired from the M14 and M16A1 rifles and the M60 machine gun, and to compare cartridge characteristics and performance with that stated in the descriptive brochure. The cartridges with their short-range capability were designed for the training of military troops. The test cartridges differed statistically from values given in the manufacturer's brochure in cartridge weight, projectile weight, propellant weight, cartridge length, and projectile length. The British Armament Design Establishment (ADE) at RSAF Enfield creates a 5x44mm cartridge (roughly a .20/223 Remington), and an initial order is placed with Radway Green for test cartridges. Since 1969, the ADE's experiments have centered around the '50s-era prototype EM2 rifle with its 7x43mm cartridge case necked down to 6.25mm. The change is inspired by a West German study indicating that future ideal military calibers will be 5mm or smaller. The final adopted 5mm projectile requires a 1-in-5" twist. Existing AR-15, AR18, and Stoner 63 rifles are converted to the new cartridge, including the belt fed Stoner 63 variant. Later, bullpup conversions of the AR-18 and Stoner 63 rifles are executed. Olin's Winchester-Western Division publishes "Summary and

Recommendations - Multiple Flchette Weapon System Development Contract." Winchester reports that they have finalized a 9.53mm multiple flchette cartridge with an aluminum cartridge case. The loadings include a standard four flchette payload (4,240fps), a pair of "ball" flchette paired with a tracer, and even a specialized armor-piercing "penetrator". Despite pushing pressures of up to 75,000psi, the large bore volume limits this to a brief spike, allowing the aluminum cartridge case to remain intact. November: The South Korean MND announce that the US has agreed to formally transfer ownership of equipment and weapons (including the M16) currently issued to ROK forces deployed in Vietnam. The equipment and weapons will be shipped to Korea when ROK forces are withdrawn from Vietnam. The last production lot of the white lacquer sealed M200 is completed at Twin Cities. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Contribution of the 5.56MM, Ball M193 Cartridge Metal Components to Gas Tube Fouling in M16A1 Rifle." The Institute for Defense Analyses publishes the report "Primer Selection for Small Arms Ammunition." The paper examines the arguments for and against the Army's prospective standardization of primers for 5.56mm ammunition. The question is essentially whether one manufacturer shall continue to use primers containing basic lead styphnate in primers for the 5.56mm cartridges that it produces at its own plant and at a Government-owned plant it operates or whether that manufacturer shall use primers containing normal lead styphnate, as do all the other six producers of these cartridges. Findings indicate that the continued use of basic lead styphnate would yield minor advantages in lower cost to the manufacturer, possibility in manufacturing safety, and in competitive environment, while standardization on normal lead styphnate would yield a minor advantage in primer performance and two significant advantages: a reduction in possible problems associated with future changes in cartridges and weapons and a reduction in the testing required. Remington publicly announces the .17 Remington cartridge at their annual Gun Writers Seminar. (Oddly enough, H&R had already offered a production-custom line of bolt-action rifles chambered for a wildcat .17/223. However, the two cartridges are not interchangeable.) On behalf of the US Army, Harvey H. Friend receives US Patent #3,538,635 titled "Combined Extractor and Ejector Mechanism for Automatic Grenade Launcher ." December: The ODCSLOG's central point of contact for the M16A1 is discontinued.

WECOM's Systems Analysis Directorate publishes the report "Analysis of M16 Rifle Dispersion and Dimensional Data." An analysis of the M16 rifle barrel dimensions and dispersion was conducted. Dispersion prediction equations were obtained using several categories of dimensional data. A discriminating procedure was developed suitable for use by field troops to separate barrels with "acceptable" dispersion from those "not acceptable". Depth-ofmuzzle-penetration by the erosion gage was selected as the discriminating variable. The Chief of Staff of the Philippine military requests US approval of the FMS purchase of 4,000 M16. The US Ambassador and JUSMAGPHIL support the request. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Feasibility Study of SpinStabilized Subsonic Projectiles." Colt has completed delivery of all four IMP to the USAF.

1971...
M16A1 rifles begin to ship with chromed bores and chambers. Previously, only the chambers were chromed. ARES, Inc. is co-founded by Gene Stoner and Bob Bihun. WECOM issues "Commodity MA Plan for Rifle 5.56mm M16/M16A1 & Grenade Launcher 40mm M203." Frankford Arsenal publishes "Semiempirical Model for Predicting the Upper Size of Solid Particles Migrating from the Barrel to the Gas Tube of the M16A1 Rifle." The US provides a military assistance grant of 38,468 M16A1, 64 XM177-type, and 43 XM148 to South Vietnam. The US provides a military assistance grant of 18,880 M16A1 to Laos. The US provides a military assistance grant of 99,022 M16A1 to Cambodia. The US provides 15,000 M16A1 to Indonesia as part of a military assistance package. The US provides 21,000 M16A1 to Jordan as part of a military assistance package. The Philippine government requests proposals from foreign firms to establish a domestic 5.56mm rifle plant. Proposals are reportedly submitted by Colt, ArmaLite, Beretta, CETME, IMI, FN, and HK.

Malaysia enters negotiations to purchase 20,000 M16 and five million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. The National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) approves the M16 and the civilian Colt AR-15 for use in their rifle matches. (Rules and Regulations For National Matches: Change 2 to AR920-30) The Swiss introduce the 5.56x48mm Eiger, a cartridge roughly in size to the .22-250. It is intended for military rifle experiments. Hughes submits an unsolicited proposal to ARPA for a light machine gun using its proprietary "chiclet" cartridges. The USASASA produces the concept of a Dual Cycle Rifle (DCR), a weapon in which a burst is fired at a very high rate while feed and extraction occur at a fraction of the speed. The DCR is the brainchild of USASASA commander Colonel Raymond S. Isenson and Technical Director Leonard R. Ambrosini. Fifteen companies eventually submit proposals and two are accepted. Multiple barrel designs are rejected due to weight and bulk. The winning proposals instead apply revolver cannon technology: a single barrel combined with a multiple chamber cylinder. The cylinder is fed from a box magazine holding three individual rows of cartridges. During the feed cycle, the top three rounds are simultaneously stripped into individual chambers. One design uses an asymmetrical three-chamber cylinder while the other uses a symmetrical nine-chamber cylinder. By 1973, the prototypes reportedly achieve cyclic rates of ~4,500 rounds per minute in three-round bursts. The Brazilian Air Force purchases 15,000 HK 33. MAS completes ten 5.56mm rifle prototypes. These are known as the A1. The 40mm M433 HEDP grenade cartridge is type-classified as "Standard A". January: The Commanding General of CONARC orders all major commands to field at least one M16A1 rifle team for the US Army's championships. Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Sensitivity Study of Rifle Gas Systems." Results of a sensitivity study of the M16 rifle gas system are presented; this study is based on a simulation of rifle gas system operation developed in the BRL. The calculations indicate that thermodynamic variables in the bolt carrier cavity are only weakly sensitive to variations in the following parameters: pressure and temperature in the gun barrel when the bullet passes the port, friction in the duct flow, and frictional resistance to motion of the bolt carrier. The computational results are sensitive, however,

to the chosen origin of time on the oscillogram showing barrel pressure at the port station. Graphs are presented for a typical round illustrating pressure, temperature, density, and piston motion histories for M16 and AR-18 rifle gas systems. A delegation led by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense's Assistant Vice Minister for Logistics MG Shin Won Shik visits the US to consult with the DOD and Colt. They conduct final negotiations regarding a M16 co-production agreement. Admiral McCain requests the support of Secretary of Defense Laird for the Philippine FMS purchase of 4,000 M16. According to the US Ambassador, Philippine President Marcos has requested that delivery be made within 60 days. The US State Department subsequently approves the sale, and indicates that a delivery date of February 28 could be met as long as the Philippine government signs the DOD Letter of Offer and submits payment by January 29. The Philippine government beats the deadline with the submission of a check for $780,042.38. Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of Quadrant Sight for the M203 Grenade Launcher." The sight was inspected for physical characteristics, fired for accuracy, and subjected to high and low temperatures, and to ruggedness and lubricants and solvents compatibility tests. No deficiencies were encountered; four shortcomings, however, were experienced. Three shortcomings were similar to shortcomings on the present standard quadrant sight. It was concluded that over-all performance of the test sight was equal to that of the standard sight and that neither was correctly calibrated to impact grenades at the 300 and 375meter ranges when using ammunition with a velocity level in the lower limit of acceptability for the M203 grenade launcher. It is recommended that action be taken to produce ammunition with a velocity level of 245 +/- 5 fps from the M203 launcher, or that the sight (test or standard) be recalibrated for 40mm ammunition in the lower limit of allowable velocity acceptability (235 fps). Comprehensive Designers Inc. publishes the report "Limit Dimensional Study of the M203 Grenade Launcher, M16, M16A1 Rifles and Quadrant Sight Combinations." HK hedges its bets with the introduction of a more conventional micro-caliber rifle, the HK 36 (not to be confused with the later G36). Its 4.6x36mm cartridge is the product of the joint Spanish/German study. It is best known for its asymmetrical "Spoon-nose" projectile: the Lffelspitz. The Lffelspitz is the product of studies by CETME's Dr. Gnther Voss to find methods to deliberately induce yaw once a projectile strikes flesh, while not adversely effecting its accuracy during flight February: Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "A Compendium of Ballistic Properties of Projectiles of Possible Interest in

Small Arms." The shapes cover a range of Length/Diameter ratios ranging from conventional bullets (approximately 3.5) to that of flchette (approximately 20), and include such shapes as cones, cone cylinders, and cone flares. The ballistic properties are mapped over a range of calibers (5.56mm, 6.5mm, and 7.62mm) and projectile densities. A drag-reducing tracer is included as one of the prime design considerations as a means of reducing base drag. Colt's John Jorczak and David Behrendt receive US Patent #3,564,950 titled "Cartridge Case Extractor Tool." Carroll D. Childers and Joseph C. Monolo file "NWL Technical Report TR-2536" concerning the NWL-Dalhgren's third model 50round magazine. The authors recommend that the magazine be adopted and issued one per every deployed SEAL Team member. Cadillac Gage resubmits the redesigned Stoner 63A1 for renewed Phase 1 testing by WECOM. ARPA, in conjunction with USASASA, awards TRW Systems a contract to develop an infantry rifle which will require far less maintenance than the issue M16A1. Appropriately, the project is named the "Low Maintenance Rifle" (LMR). An engineering team led by Don Stoehr is assigned to the project. The final design uses a gas-operated, roller-locked action, and bears more than a slight resemblance to the German FG42 paratrooper rifle. Since the weapon fires full-automatic only from an open bolt, the LMR borrows the trigger housing of the M60 GPMG, itself an amalgamation of the FG42 rifle and MG42 GPMG. Besides the 5.56mm models, at least one prototype is chambered for the XM216 SPIW cartridge. Frankford Arsenal publishes "Packaging Concept Study for 5.56 mm Caseless Ammunition." Radway Green delivers its first batch of 5x44mm cartridges. On behalf of Frankford Arsenal, Colt's Technik, Inc. publishes "Feasibility Study of Flchette Fired from Rifled Barrel." In these experiments, saboted flchette have been loaded into standard 5.56x45mm cases and fired through M16 rifles. Conceived as a low-cost way of testing different sabot/flchette designs, the improved accuracy results cast doubt upon the existing SFR weapon and cartridge designs. March: The US and South Korean governments sign the M16 coproduction Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which specifies the total quantity of rifles authorized for production in South Korea. This consists of 600,000 complete rifles and 48,000 rifle equivalents in spare parts. The MOU also authorizes $42 million in FMS credits to support production equipment, raw materials, technical assistance, construction, royalty fees, and training. South Korea is prohibited from transferring rifles or components to third parties without the

consent of the US, and the MOU can be terminated only by mutual agreement. Licensing and technical assistance agreements are also signed by Colt and the ROK Ministry of National Defense. This implements the MOU, establishes royalty fees, and provides training, production know-how, and technical assistance. South Korea is authorized 100 percent rifle manufacturing capability, involving 124 individual parts ranging from springs to buttstocks. (In contrast, Colt's factory produces only around 12 parts in house, and the remaining components are subcontracted among 70 vendors.) Full production of 10,000 rifles per month is planned for May 1974, with the completion of the production run expected by February 1979. By the end of the month, the first $15 million in FMS credits is approved for FY 1971. The military specification for M197 High Pressure Test, MIL-C46936A(MU), is revised to MIL-C-46936B(MU). Colt's John Jorczak receives US Patent #3,568,324 titled "Battlesight for an Auxiliary Projectile Launcher." The Chinese PLA's logistics department holds the 713 Conference, a research meeting to determine the desired characteristics of a SCHV cartridge. Spring: AAI submits an unsolicited proposal for the development of a plastic cased blank. April: More than 1,000 union workers from Colt petition Rep. William R. Cotter (D-CT) to stop the US-Korea M16 co-production agreement. Cotter lobbies the White House in an attempt to stop the plan. The Colt CMG-2 is submitted for Navy nomenclature assignment. May: The Pentagon refuses Rep. Cotter's Freedom of Information Act request regarding details of the US-Korea M16 co-production agreement. The CDCIA publishes "Army Small Arms Requirements Study II (ASARS II) Study Plan." The Colt CMG-2 is officially designated "Gun, Machine, 5.56 Millimeter, EX 27 Mod 0." HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer file multiple US patent applications for the HK 36's carrying handle and integrated optic, trigger pack attachment, and ambidextrous charging handle. Colt's Stanley Silsby files the report "Lightweight Rifle/Submachine Gun." The report details the design and fabrication of the four IMP prototypes for the USAF. Demonstrations proved the basic concept of utilizing the shooter's arm as the

gunstock was not only feasible but exceeded expectations. Further efforts will be made to improve trigger pull, trigger guidance, pistol grip locking, the arm rest, sighting, and to modify the design for quantity production. June: The CDCIA publishes "Army Small Arms Requirements Study II (ASARS II): First In-Process Review After Action 16 - 17 June 1971." The Army Aviation Systems Test Activity publishes the report "5.56/7.62MM Weapons Comparative Evaluation, OH-6A Helicopter." The objectives of the test were to evaluate and compare the 5.56mm XM214 and the 7.62mm GAU-2B/A automatic guns for firing accuracy and effect of the weapons firing on flight characteristics. Only minor differences were noted in firing accuracy at ranges of 500 meters or less. A pronounced loss of accuracy was noted with the XM214 at ranges of 1000 meters and greater. Helicopter reactions were most apparent, for both weapons, during hover firing at a high rate of fire and were more severe with the GAU-2B/A than with the XM214. At forward airspeeds, only minor differences in flight characteristics were noted during firing of the weapons. Vibration levels of the instrument panel and gun mount were reduced significantly with installation of the XM214. Rodman Laboratory publishes the report "Concepts of Single Shot Grenade Launchers Attached to an Infantry Rifle." The report discusses the initial phase of an in-house design activity for the development of a 30mm grenade launcher. The launcher work is one aspect of the total Future Rifle System Program. As such, the conceptual efforts were molded around many of the requirements of that program so as to produce a composite weapon system consisting of both area and point fire components. In a span of ten weeks, a team of five people produced 14 deserving concepts from more than 23 basic approaches. Out of these 14, two concepts were selected for further development and inclusion in the overall Future Rifle System Program. Detailed design activity is currently underway to translate these two concepts to firing hardware for a projected delivery date of Fall 1971. At Frankford Arsenal, Andrew J. Grandy and Martin Horchler publish"The Encapsulated Folded Ammunition Concept." The authors have experimented with 5.56mm folded path cartridges in order to duplicate the performance of the M193 cartridge. HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer file an US patent application for the HK 36's semi-integral magazine and loading system. The Army awards a $365,340 contract to Honeywell to design, fabricate, and build a prototype automated machine line for production of sabots for SPIW flchette cartridges. July: Rep. Cotter proposes legislation that would bar foreign

production of US weapons without authorization by Congress. The House Foreign Affairs Committee rejects Cotter's proposal. $10 million in FMS credits are approved for South Korean M16 production in FY 1972. Twin Cities AAP issues the memo "5.56mm Production Equipment Based on New Concept for Manufacture of Small Caliber Ammunition." Reynolds Metals publishes the report "Development of Aluminum Alloys for Cartridge Cases." The study was aimed at developing an aluminum alloy suitable for use in a 5.56mm cartridge case. Two distinctly different types of properties were required. In the annealed condition, the alloy must have good formability, such that the many cup and draw operations can be readily performed without the introduction of defects. In the final heat treated condition the alloy must exhibit both high strength and toughness. Ideally, a yield strength of 80,000 PSI and a tear strength to-yield strength ratio of 1.5 were desired by the Sponsor. Such a combination of properties is not currently available in any known commercial alloy. Variations of the commercial alloys 7075, 7178, and 7001 were studied. Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of 5.56-MM Gilding-Metal-Clad Steel-Jacketed Tracer Projectiles." MIL-STD-1453(MU), the military standard for the ballistic standards and test method for evaluating and selecting 5.56mm ammunition for M16/M16A1 weapon acceptance tests, is published. Frankford Arsenal begins computerized parametric design analyses to design a cartridge from scratch to meet the SAW requirements. Five candidate designs are considered. These include a 6.5mm flchette cartridge, and 5.56mm, 6mm, 6.35mm, and 6.5mm cartridges using conventional bullets. WECOM publishes the report "Chromium Plating of Caliber .17 (4.32mm) Barrels." Caliber .17 (4.32mm) barrel blanks were machined to the exterior contour of an M16 Rifle barrel. Attempts to chromium plate these barrels with conventional plating fixtures were unsuccessful because misalignment of the electrode caused discoloration and shading of the plating. Attempts to obtain satisfactory, chromium-plated bores by use of better electrode alignment with the conventional fixtures were also unsuccessful. A self-aligning rotating electrode fixture was fabricated, and a technique for chromium-plating the caliber .17 bore was established. With the use of the rotating electrode fixture, many of the problems were eliminated that were encountered with the conventional fixtures on the caliber .17 bore. August: The Office of Product Manager, M16 Series Rifles is

disbanded. The staff is reassigned within WECOM. WECOM publishes the report "Procurement History and Analysis of M16 Rifle." Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Comparison of a Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Gas System in the M16A1 Rifle." Results of the study show that functioning of the rifle is quite sensitive to variations in gas port diameter, initial volume, and effective pressure area in the gas system. However, functioning is quite insensitive to variations in leakage area, vent area, and the distance the bolt carrier travels before uncovering the vent holes in the gas system. The study concludes there is no great advantage in changing any parameter in the M16 gas system. COMUSKOREA advises Admiral McCain that a MOU will be negotiated between the South Korean MND and the DOD for FMS credits for converting and expanding the ROK arsenal for ammunition production. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "An Analysis of Local Temperature Profiles Encountered in the Aluminum Cartridge Case Drilled Hole Experiment." In order to gain a better understanding of the failure phenomenon experienced with aluminum cases, a combination experimental and theoretical program was initiated to study the failure dynamics using intentionally induced failures in 5.56mm aluminum cases. "Military Characteristics for Plastic 5.56mm Blank Cartridge" is published. Frankford Arsenal narrows its SAW cartridge studies to 5.56mm and 6mm. The 5.56mm candidate design is based on a case 1.949" long and 0.4313" wide, loaded with a lead core 68gr bullet. The 6mm candidate design is based on a case 1.715" long and 0.372" wide, loaded with a steel core 80gr bullet. (Note that this case is actually smaller than the standard 5.56x45mm.) The US Army Arctic Test Center issues the report "Service Test of Launcher, Grenade, 40mm, M203, Attachment for Rifles, under Arctic Winter Conditions." The M203 is found unsuitable for arctic use due to two deficiencies: fracture of the barrel guide during firing and failure of the adhesive bond between the handguard and the barrel. The latter problem had already been identified as an issue during 1969 testing at Aberdeen. Colt's Stanley Silsby files a patent application for a rate reducer for the IMP. WECOM publishes the report "Evaluation of Experimental Drive Springs for the XM19 Rifle." Laboratory tests and a theoretical study were conducted to determine the optimum design for

increasing the life of the XM19 drive spring. Spring endurance tests were conducted by the Research Directorate of the Weapons Laboratory at Rock Island. Fatigue properties of eight experimental drive spring designs were evaluated under simulated firing conditions. The experimental springs consisted of various materials and strand constructions of three, seven, or 14 wires. A theoretical study was performed by the University of Illinois under direction of the Research Directorate on the dynamic response of helical compression springs. Theoretical and experimental data were correlated and were in close agreement. It is determined from this investigation that of the eight experimental designs that were evaluated, the two-piece spring assembly is superior because it retained maximum loads at the completion of the endurance tests. September: WECOM completes Phase 1 testing of the redesigned Stoner 63A1. Frankford Arsenal begins work on developing actual 6mm cartridge cases based on its computerized SAW model. Minor dimensional changes are made to accommodate existing equipment and case components (5.56x45mm 2nd draw pieces). The M203 grenade launcher's military specification, MIL-L-45935, is issued. On behalf of the US Army, Harold H. Wiese receives US Patent #3,603,020 titled "Magazine Assembly with Expendable Cartridge Container Unit." Stanley Silsby, on behalf of the US Army, receives US Patent #3,604,142 titled "Four-Stack Cartridge Magazine." October: MUCOM Commanding General BG Graham issues a directive that the SAW cartridge cases be made of an alternative material other than brass, such as steel or aluminum. This change is in order to fully comply with the spirit of the DOD's copper conservation policy. Colt's Henry Into files a patent application for the design of the SCAMP. Dale M. Davis receives US Patent #3,611,872 titled "Lightweight Compact Rifle." November: The Connecticut Citizens Action Group, an organization affiliated with Ralph Nader, release a report titled "The M16: Colt's Lethal Lemon." It charges that Colt has deliberately circumvented Army quality control requirements in the production of the M16. The House Armed Services Committee staff begins a probe. The US Army, through the Land Warfare Laboratory at Aberdeen, signs a contract with AAI for the development of their proposed

plastic case blank. Colt's Robert Fremont receives US Patent #3,619,929 titled "Magazine with Anti-Double-Feed Indentations in the Side Walls." Colt's Henry Into and John Jorczak receive US Patent #3,618,248 titled "Buttstock Assembly with a Latchable Door for a Compartment Formed Therein." Frankford Arsenal begins work on developing actual 5.56mm cartridge cases based on its computerized SAW model. Minor dimensional changes are made to accommodate existing equipment and case components (7.62mm NATO final draw pieces trimmed to 1-3/8"). Frankford Arsenal publishes drawings of the initial 6mm SAW case as Sketch BCX-1: 6MM Brass Case (Special). Approximately 800 cases are fabricated to this design. These are held back awaiting design of the 80gr bullet. (It appears that the 80gr bullet was never designed, and that these cases were never loaded.) Colt submits an unsolicited proposal to the US Army for the Small Caliber Machine Pistol (SCAMP). The Colt SCAMP fires a short .224" caliber proprietary cartridge known as the .22 SCAMP. Late: Thailand contracts with HK for the construction of a HK 33 manufacturing plant. December: Rep. Howard claims that the FBI is investigating allegations that Colt has "deliberately cheated" on factory tests of the M16. The FBI will only confirm that an inquiry is in progress. $5 million in FMS credits for South Korean domestic ammunition production are approved for FY 1972. The Naval Training Device Center publishes the report "Clothing Penetration Tests for the M16 Training Cartridge." The report indicates that trainees are not adequately protected against stray projectiles based on penetration tests for the M16 training cartridge. Fairchild Industries' John F. Dealy and Michael W. York file a patent application for a low profile set of M16 sights that are viewed through the struts of the carrying handle. USMC Commandant General Chapman directs that the contract to Cadillac Gage to design and produce the Stoner 63A1 required for Phase 2 testing at Aberdeen be terminated at no cost to the Government. With this, production of the Stoner 63A1 ends. Colt's George Curtis and Henry Tatro file patent applications for the design of the CMG-2.

Physics Technology Labs publishes the report "Feasibility Study of the Sputtering of Coatings Onto the 4.32mm Barrel Bore." The research is under contract to the USASASA. Frankford Arsenal begins limited fabrication of the 5.56mm SAW cartridge case. Approximately 100 cases are made through January 1972. These are held back waiting for the procurement of the 68gr bullets and a special test barrel. Col. Raymond S. Isenson of the USASASA rejects Colt's SCAMP proposal as the US Army is experimenting with a parallel small arms program called the "Personal Defense Weapon" (PDW).

1972...
The Army National Guard (ARNG) and the US Army Reserve (USAR) receive 129,000 M16A1 rifles. Rock Island's Small Arms Systems Laboratory is assigned development of a Firing Port Weapon (FPW) for the XM732 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV). Aberdeen discovers that M196 Tracer cartridges loaded with IMR 8208M is clocking lower than normal cyclic rates. WC844 is tested in an experimental batch of tracer, and the cyclic rates return to normal. Frankford Arsenal conducts a test program to optimize the hardness gradient of the 5.56mm case. Aberdeen publishes the report "Optimum Bullet Study." While the use of aerodynamic computations as a design basis for artillery shell has been well established, the information generated had not been on shapes (or in sizes) of obvious interest to the small arms designer. Further work is needed to establish a base of confidence in computing the behavior of small arms projectiles and this should be done in bullet sizes and subject to typical small arms systems constraints. In an effort to provide this more general design basis, several programs are generated within the BRL and later partially supported by other agencies, particularly AMSAA and USASASA. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "An Analysis of 5.56mm Aluminum Cartridge Case Burn-Through Phenomenon." This work was aimed at understanding the "burn-through" problem that has impeded orderly engineering development and application of aluminum alloy cartridge cases in high-performance ammunition since the 1890's. It has been shown that a gas path through the wall of an aluminum case, and through which propellant gas can flow during the internal ballistic cycle, is a precursor to the "burnthrough" phenomenon. Solutions to this problem have been found that either prevent propellant gas flow through a path in the case that develops unintentionally during firing of the ammunition, or

alter the effect of propellant gas flow through such a gas path. Since an engineering understanding of the "burn-through" phenomenon is available, work is currently underway to demonstrate the feasibility of aluminum cartridge cases. The US provides a military assistance grant of 77,417 M16A1, 6,145 M16, 83 XM177-type, and 164 XM148 to South Vietnam. The US provides a military assistance grant of 70,497 M16A1 to Cambodia. The US provides 90 M16A1 to Indonesia as part of a military assistance package. The US provides 24,000 M16A1 and 900 M203 to Jordan as part of a military assistance package. (Deliveries of the M203 stretch through 1973.) The CDCIA publishes "ASARS II Overview." The CDCIA's Systems Analysis Group publishes "ASARS II Battle Model: Working Description of Logic." RSAF Enfield's preliminary study concludes. Not surprisingly, the ideal caliber chosen is 5mm, for use with both the IW and LSW. Unconventional technologies such as flchette and caseless cartridges were deemed too technically difficult to master within the desired time frame. A bullpup configuration is preferred as it gives the desired reduction in size without resorting to folding/collapsible stocks. (The latter design concepts are deemed to lack rigidity, causing accuracy to suffer.) To increase first-shot hit probabilities, the weapons must also be equipped with an optical sight similar to the SUIT. Based on the recommendations, a General Staff Target (GST 3518) is written to give specifications and goals for the following two-year Feasibility Study. HK introduces a 5.56mm box-fed LMG, the HK 13. MAS completes ten A2 rifle prototypes. Mikhail Kalashnikov reportedly receives his first samples of the 5.45x39mm cartridge, and is instructed to develop an AKM variant for the new cartridge. Cartoucherie de Toulouse experiments with a 4.5x54mm cartridge. The US Army awards a contract with the Honeywell Corporation's Ordnance Division (now part of Alliant Techsystems) for the development of a 30mm grenade cartridge to replace the existing 40x46mm. (The actual design is credited to Picatinny.) Winter: Colt Industries recombines the Colt Firearms Division.

January: Aberdeen publishes "Comparison Test of Rifle, 5.56MM, M16A1." Singapore receives US approval for an export license to sell M16S to Thailand. This one of the few export sales that Colt and the US State Department will ever approve. Frankford Arsenal publishes drawings of the 5.56mm SAW case as Sketch BCX-30: 5.56MM Brass Case (Special). Because of the delay in the design analyses of prospective SAW bullet designs, Frankford Arsenal decides to procure commercial cartridge cases and bullets. These will be handloaded for ballistic tests to confirm additional computer predictions. Frankford orders 1,000 .222 Remington Magnum primed cases, 1,000 .250 Savage primed cases, and various bullets from local commercial sources. February: The Justice Department orders a FBI investigation of allegations that Colt has cheated on Government quality-control tests for the M16. The US Army MTU prepares a lesson outline for the development of a National Match M16A1 rifle. Testing has indicated the superiority of a 1-in-9" twist heavy barrel over a 1-in-12" twist barrel of the same profile. Bullet weights as heavy as 70gr are also tested with handloads. The US Coast Guard publishes the report "Evaluation of the M16 Rifle as a Line-Throwing Gun." A M16 rifle was adapted to a line throwing gun using an inert Mecar grenade. The results of the test firings indicate that the M16 is an unacceptable line throwing device. Frankford Arsenal begins experiments with the standard 5.56x45mm case necked up to 6mm. Testing continues through at least May 1972. (Around 1974 or later, Brunswick Corp. submits a similar experimental 6x45mm round as an unsolicited proposal to Frankford. The cartridge is also based on a reformed 5.56x45mm case with a slightly different profile, and is loaded with commercial projectiles.) March: The US Army issues a "Materiel Need" document for a "Squad Automatic Weapon, Light Machine Gun." Before the end of FY 1972, development contracts for ten SAW prototypes are let to Maremont (Saco) and Philco-Ford (later, Ford Aerospace). A design team at the Rodman Laboratory ultimately develops their own candidate, the XM235. The goal is to procure a weapon with an effective range of 800-1,100m that weighs 17-21 pounds when loaded with 200rds of ammo. The ball cartridge must be able to defeat a helmet at 800m, and the tracer must remain visible beyond the same range. Gene Stoner has reportedly advised Cadillac Gage not to bother with adapting the Stoner 63 design to the new

requirements. Frankford Arsenal's Case Shop is requested to fabricate an additional 800 5.56mm SAW cases with a 0.10" longer neck. The change in neck length is intended to accommodate a longer bullet design. Frankford Arsenal receives its order of 1,000 .222 Remington Magnum primed cases, 1,000 .250 Savage primed cases, various commercial bullets, and loading dies. The latter includes forming dies to neck up the .222 Rem Mag cases to 6mm. The 6mm/222 Rem Mag wildcat cases are loaded with the 0.243" Speer 105gr spitzer and the Remington 100gr "Pointed Special." The .250 Savage cases are loaded with the 0.257" Remington 100gr "Pointed Special." After testing, the .250 Savage is deemed unsuitable, and the 6mm/222 Rem Mag case is deemed to be too small to achieve the desired velocities with 100-105gr bullets. For unknown motivations, the British ADE decides to rename their 5x44mm cartridge as the 4.85x44mm (based on the diameter of the barrel's lands). Andrew J. Grandy files a patent application for a "folded path" cartridge and weapon system. April: AMC issues "M16 Rifle: Maintenance Layaway of H&R Equipment." Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Investigation of a Low Noise Duplex Cartridge (LNDC)." Frankford Arsenal also publishes "Firing Shock Measurements on the M16 Rifle." In addition, Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Compilation of Frankford Arsenal Memo Reports on 5.56mm AR-15/M16 Rifle/Ammunition System (1963-1970)." Remington issues the report "Tracer Simulation Study." Under contract to the Army, Remington investigated infrared laser ignition of 5.56mm tracers. The results were mixed as sensitivity to laser stimulation did not correlate to live fire performance. Mellonics Systems publishes "The Identification of Objective Relationships between Small Arms Fire Characteristics and Effectiveness of Suppressive Fire." Performed under contract to ARPA, the purpose of this study is to identify objective relationships between small arms weapons characteristics and effectiveness in suppressive fire. In addition, this study provides a methodology through which the suppressive capabilities of various small arms weapons may be assessed. Beside literature searches of battlefield experiences and surveys of combat veterans, life fire testing was conducted using the M1A1 SMG, XM19, M16, AK-47, M60, and M2

BMG. Of interest is that the XM19 ranked far last in perceived dangerousness in incoming fire. Frankford Arsenal completes fabrication of the 800 modified 5.56mm SAW cases. Again, these are held back in anticipation of test barrels and development of load data. (Once again, it appears that these cases were never loaded as the test barrels were never received, and the 68gr bullet design was never created.) Frankford Arsenal draws up 6mm variants of the 5.56x45mm case lengthened to 1.898", 1.981", and 2.031". Alternative 6mm cases with a wider 0.410" case head are also drawn up. These are design studies only, pending a mutually agreeable decision between MUCOM and WECOM's R&D agencies. USASASA holds a PDW conference at Aberdeen. May: Rock Island publishes "Investigation of the Interaction of Weapon-Ammunition Subsystems." Acceptance-test data for five manufacturers' production of 5.56mm ammunition were analyzed through time-series modeling, an empirical cumulative distribution function was formulated, and a bivariate histogram of chamber pressure and port pressure was developed for use in the selection of weapon-test ammunition. The BRL publishes "Interior Ballistics Study of the M16A1 Rifle." MUCOM, WECOM, and USASASA representatives meet at Frankford Arsenal. It is agreed that the new SAW cartridge will use a 105gr 6mm projectile, possess a 0.410" case head, have a case taper of 0.1746" per inch of length, and use a steel case. (A brass cased variant will be designed as a backup.) Frankford Arsenal estimates that the new cases will not be available until August 1972. "Personal Defense Weapons (PDW) Summary Report" is published. Aberdeen's BRL releases the report "A Technique for Quality Control of Piston Primer Ammunition." Sponsored by the USASASA, the study desired to find ways of improving the reliability of AAI's primer-actuated action. June: The BRL publishes "Experimental Ballistic Properties of Selected Projectiles of Possible Interest in Small Arms." This report includes data collected from test firing 0.224" projectiles using the "AR2 artillery shape." Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, on contract to Frankford Arsenal, publishes "Determination of Temperature Gradients in 5.56 mm Aluminum Cases."

ArmaLite ceases AR-18 production at Costa Mesa. Frankford Arsenal publishes Drawing D-11744216 depicting the new 6mm SAW cartridge case design. CDCEC issues the four-volume report "XM19 Serial Flchette Rifle Experiment." Stanley Silsby, on behalf of the US Army, receives US Patent #3,672,089 titled "Large Capacity Magazine." July: WECOM publishes the report "Solid Lubricant Coatings Curable at 225 F-300 F." Experimental solid-film lubricant coatings based on urea-formaldehyde, epoxy-polyamide, epoxysilane, alkyd-urea, melamine-acrylic, and epoxy-urea resins were formulated for use on the M16A1 rifle. These coatings are cured after being applied to the rifle, and thus low temperatures are needed so as not to adversely affect the rifle's strength. None of these coatings when cured at temperatures of 225-300F had antiwear or corrosion preventing properties comparable to the fully cured MIL-L-46010A type of solid lubricant coating now used. Of the experimental formulations tested, those based on the ureaformaldehyde and epoxy-silane resins gave the best results. However, with the addition of a curing agent, boron trifluoride monoethylamine complex, to a qualified MIL-L-46010A base, the product could be cured at 275F, and all test requirements could be satisfied. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Sealing of Sabot and Primer of XM645 Cartridge." Waterproof sealing of the sabot and primer of the XM645 Cartridge (SFR) was achieved using a pigmented resin-solvent formulation. Firing tests conducted on experimentally sealed rounds have given every indication that the seals are acceptable. Efforts to effect sealing of the sabot by means of commercially available dry-shrink or heat-shrink preformed plastic caps, or to mold caps having the desired wall thickness, were successful. Frankford Arsenal completes fabrication of the first 1,500 6mm SAW brass cases ahead of schedule. These used 7.62mm NATO case final draw pieces. Pier Carlo Beretta receives US Patent #3,675,534 titled "Automatic Rifle." Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of Modified Leaf Sight for M203 Grenade Launcher." Abraham Flatau files a patent application for the Ring Airfoil Grenade (RAG). August: Aberdeen publishes the report "Comparison Test of

5.56-MM Tracer Ammunition Loaded with IMR 8208M and Ball WC844 Propellant." Due to bullet seating issues with the 4.85x44mm, the British ADE decide to elongate the case neck, creating the 4.85x49mm. An order is placed with Radway Green for 4.85x49mm cartridge cases. Edgewood Arsenal issues the report "A Kinetically NonHazardous Ring Airfoil Projectile for Delivering Riot Control Agent." September: The US Army Armament Command (ARMCOM) is created. Headquartered at Rock Island, it will combine MUCOM, the Army Ammunition Procurement and Supply Agency (APSA), WECOM, and USASASA. The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) announces that due to the results of weapon evaluations by the Philippine military, only Colt, ArmaLite, HK, and IMI will be eligible for further consideration. The BOI indicates that the co-production program will call for 150,000 rifles to be produced over five years. Domestic content of the rifles will ultimately increase to 100 percent (exclusive of imported raw materials). The foreign firm will provide technical assistance, parts, and materials. The Philippine government will hold the license. October: The US ambassador and Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs sign a protocol related to a purchase of M16 rifles. The Philippines opens negotiations to various international arms makers for construction of a domestic small arms plant. Colt and HK are considered to be the front-runners. Colt informs JUSMAG-PHIL that they estimate a cost of $22.5 million to cover the total package of technology, equipment, and materials. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Effect of 5.56mm Primer Components on Ballistic Performance of the M16A1 Rifle/Ammunition System" As a result of previous testing at Frankford Arsenal, it was decided to conduct more extensive testing of 5.56 mm primers. A factorial experiment was conducted to determine the effects of these primers on interior ballistics for both ball and tracer ammunition. The primer mixture, the primer weight, and the conditioning temperature of the ammunition were varied to investigate their effects, individually and in conjunction with each other, on the cyclic rate of the M16 rifle, on the action time of the ammunition in the rifle, and on the velocity of the projectile. The results of this test show that within the limits tested, primer components did effect ballistic performance, but to a lesser degree than external factors such as the rifle used and the conditioning temperature of the ammunition. Frankford Arsenal also publishes the report "Effect of Propellant Additives in Reducing Fouling and Erosion in the M16A1 Rifle."

WECOM publishes the report "New and Improved Rubber Compounds for Weapon Systems." The report notes that newly developed fluorosilicone rubber inserts significantly increased the service life of the M16A1 rifle extractor springs. November: The new CINCPAC Admiral Noel A.M. Gayler suggests that the Philippine government consider a commercial purchase of M16 from Colt. JUSMAG-PHIL indicates that the Philippine government is currently negotiating for the direct purchase of 7,000 M16. Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Aluminum Cartridge Case Feasibility Study Using the M16A1 Rifle with the 5.56mm Ball Ammunition as the Test Vehicle." Identification of the "burnthrough" problem associated with high-performance aluminum cartridge-cases was made as the result of studies to isolate the elements of this problem and relate these elements to the interior ballistic cycle of the M16A1 rifle system. One practical solution (the flexible internal element) to this problem was found. This solution was coupled with improvements in mechanical performance of the aluminum case by new analytical design techniques, tougher highstrength aluminum alloy, and novel case processing techniques. With the different improvement combined, the feasibility of the aluminum cartridge case was demonstrated by test firing. Frankford Arsenal also publishes the report "Investigation of the Piston Primer For Use in the XM645 Cartridge." Aberdeen's BRL releases the report "Resume of Special Tests of the XM19 Rifle and XM645 Ammunition." These tests were to examine the causes of health related complaints made by troops testing the XM19. Reported aliments included severe nausea, inflammations, and even eye injuries, all apparently caused by particles from the fiberglass sabot of the flchette cartridges. The US Army Arctic Test Center begins a new check test of the M203. The US Army Chemical Systems Laboratory publishes the report "Evaluation of the Wounding Potential of Single Projectiles From the 40-mm Multiple Projectile Cartridges XM576 and the XM576E2." Abe Flatau, Donald N. Olson, and Miles C. Miller file a patent application for a pair of non-lethal RAGs, one with a payload and the other without. These become known as the Soft RAG and the Sting RAG, respectively. December: GE's Richard S. Rose and Burton P. Clark file a patent application for GE's version of the Dual Cycle Rifle. It uses an asymmetrical six-chamber cylinder. During its forward stroke, the

central operating rod/bolt strips three rounds from the magazine while ejecting three spent cases. During the rearward stroke, three rounds are fired in sequence while three spent cases extracted from the other chambers. Battelle Memorial Institute publishes the report "Research and Development on Coextrusion of Bimetallic .220 Swift and 25mm Gun Barrels." This was a research and development program on lined gun barrels directed toward selecting desirable barrel and liner material combinations, which will increase the life of barrels in rapid fire gun systems, and developing the fabrication processes for producing these barrels with a metallurgically bonded liner. Coextrusion was used as the method for producing the lined barrel stock. The program was divided into two parts with the first part directed toward producing lined .220 Swift barrels of selected material combinations for testing in the M60. A-286 steel was selected as the barrel material, and TZM, Mo-0.5Ti, L605, Ta-1 OW, and T-222 were selected as the liner materials for the barrels. All the liners coextruded with the barrel steel satisfactorily over a small mandrel except T-222. The four successfully coextruded combinations were fabricated into .220 Swift barrels with swaging being used to rifle the barrels. Philco-Ford publishes the report "Development of an Electrochemical Machining Process for Rifling Lined Gun Barrels." A 16-month program was conducted to advance high performance gun barrel technology by developing an electrochemical machining process for rifling high performance barrel liner materials. A total of 15 electrolytes and numerous electrochemical machining parameters were evaluated in conducting electrochemical machinability studies on iron-nickel-base, nickel-base, and cobaltbase superalloys, and on refractory alloys of columbium, molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten. Four materials (L-605, VM103, CG-27, and alloy 718) were selected for electrochemical rifling and fabrication into .220 Swift barrel liners. The rifled liners were insulated externally and assembled into outer barrel jackets using a drawing process, thus producing insulated composite test barrels. A total of 12 MG3 test barrels, representing the four liner materials and three jacket materials (H-11, A-286, and Pyromet X15), were fabricated and delivered to the USAF. The results of this program indicate that electrochemical machining is a feasible process for obtaining high quality and low cost rifling, and that extrapolation of this process to larger calibers appears feasible. Prior to the manufacture and delivery of Radway Green's new 4.85x49mm cartridge cases, RSAF Enfield requires preliminary ballistic data with 4.85x49mm pressure barrels. As a result, Enfield is forced to use 4.85x44mm cases with the bullets' cannelure seated 5mm above the case mouth.

1973...

Congress deletes all but $3.6 million for the purchase of 37,533 M16A1 rifles in a supplemental defense appropriations request. Twin Cities receives the first complete SCAMP production line. (SCAMP: Small Caliber Ammunition Modernization Program) The new production line includes high speed loading presses, with the goal of increasing cartridge production from 60-100rpm to 1,200rpm. Frankford Arsenal contracts additional aluminum case testing to be performed by Thiokal Chemical Corporation. Frankford also develops an aluminum-cased blank cartridge, which Aberdeen finds to be equivalent in performance to the issue M200. Gulf + Western Industries Inc. begins development of a plastic cased ball cartridge. The US provides a military assistance grant of 82,446 M16A1, 157 XM177-type, and 13 M203 to South Vietnam. The US provides a military assistance grant of 3,449 M16A1 to Cambodia. The US provides a military assistance grant of 43,185 M16A1 to Laos. The US provides 1,618 M16A1 to Indonesia as part of a military assistance package. The US provides 700 M16A1 to Jordan as part of a military assistance package. 22,887 M16 rifles are deleted from the Philippine MAP. CIS begins delivery of roughly 30,000 M16S rifles to Thailand. The Danish Army begins testing of selective fire rifles to replace their M1 rifles. The M16A1 wins the testing, but the Danes are reluctant to adopt the 5.56mm cartridge outside of a wider NATO adoption. Instead, the Danes decide to lease 70,000 G3 rifles from West Germany. (The G3 had finished in 10th place in Danish testing.) The US Army awards a rifle development contract to ARES, Inc. In return, Stoner creates the Future Assault Rifle Concept (FARC) prototype. Oddly enough, it is Stoner's first 5.56x45mm design that hasn't started life as an earlier 7.62mm NATO design. After failed experiments involving conventionally arranged bolts, HK's G11 development team happen upon a solution for providing gas obturation with caseless cartridges. Their chamber and breech will rotate about an axis at a right angle to the barrel.

HK introduces a 5.56mm belt-fed LMG, the HK 23A1. HK begins delivery of equipment to Thailand for their new HK 33 production facility, the Royal Thai Armory. MAS completes ten A3 rifle prototypes. Frankford Arsenal experiments with a 4.32x40mm cartridge. It is dubbed by some as the 4.32mm Optimum or 4.32mm Optimized. Cartoucherie du Mans experiments with a 5.56x54mm cartridge. FN experiments with a 3.5x51mm cartridge. R&D work begins on the Civil Disturbance Control System. It is based on non-lethal variants of Abe Flatau's Ring Airfoil Grenade (RAG). January: ARMCOM officially begins operations. Frankford Arsenal publishes "Study of the Pressure Distribution Behind the M193 Projectile when Fired in the M16 Rifle Barrel." The US Army CDC approves a Materiel Needs Document for a Future Rifle System (FRS). In many ways, it is a restatement of the SPIW requirements, incorporating both point and area target capabilities. However, the FRS is opened up to more than the previous flchette cartridge systems. Among the requirements: The ability to maintain a rate of fire of 540 rounds every six hours for an entire day (15 grenade firings during the same six hour period). The point fire cartridge must be 25 percent more likely to incapacitate than the M193 from the M16A1. It must have a 30-50 percent probability of hitting a kneeling target at ranges from 300-500 meters. The area fire cartridge must be smaller than 40mm, yet maintain the lethality and range of the larger cartridge. The loaded weight of both systems combined must be less than 9-11 pounds. The point fire weapon is to display a minimum MRBS of 1,000 for the first 10,000 rounds fired. The area fire weapon is to display a minimum MRBS of 500 for the first 5,000 rounds fired. Hughes' Morris Goldin receives US Patent #3,713,240 titled "Lockless Firearm System." February: The Indonesian Minister for Defense and Security makes a personal plea to Vice President Spiro Agnew requesting additional military assistance. Among the requests is the desire to establish a domestic manufacturing plant for either the M16 or AR-18. NATO's Action Committee 225 (AC/225) Panel III, Subpanel 4 issues "Operational Requirement for Light Support Weapon."

The British ADE is at work developing a rifle design for their 4.85x49mm cartridge. The Project Leader is Col. John Weeks, and the rifle design team is led by Sydney Hance. (Hance had been chief design assistant for the EM2 rifle.) The resulting IW and LSW are both equipped with separate, push-through selector and safety buttons. While the IW fires from the closed-bolt position in all modes, the LSW fires from a closed-bolt position only in semi-auto mode. 3 round burst and full-auto fire are from an open bolt position. In addition, at least one prototype is chambered in 5.56x45mm for comparison purposes. Prototype 4.85x49mm ammo is created by reforming fired 5.56mm blank cartridges from FN. The US Army Arctic Test Center testing of the M203 is terminated pending design reevaluation and a product modification to correct primer punch-out problems. The latter problem had also been identified as an issue during 1969 testing at Aberdeen. March: The FY 1973 Indonesian MAP is cut nearly in half. The US Ambassador to Indonesia suggests possible concessions to soften the blow. These mirror the previous month's requests by the Indonesian Minister of Defense and Security. CINCPAC Admiral Gayler concurs in the need to make some concessions, but recommends that the small arms plant be reserved for a joint study proposal. The US State Department points out that the establishment of an Indonesian small arms plant is already being negotiated on a commercial basis. The military specification for the M16 and M16A1 rifles, MIL-R45587, is revised to MIL-R-45587A. The US Army Arctic Test Center publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of Gilding Metal Clad Steel (GMCS) Jackets for 5.56MM Projectiles." The testing had been conducted on behalf of Frankford Arsenal. The US Army Arctic Test Center issues the report "Check Test of Launcher, Grenade, 40mm, M203, under Arctic Winter Conditions." TRW ceases development of the LMR. Morris Goldin files a patent application for the design of the plasticcased "chiclet" cartridge. Frankford Arsenal publishes "Determination of Normal Forces Arising from In-Bore Pressures on an N-Segmented Sabot: Single Flchette." April: Radway Green delivers the first purpose made 4.85x49mm

cartridges. Colt's Stanley Silsby receives US Patent #3,724,325 titled "Rate Reducer." May: On behalf of the US Army, Warren W. Wells receives US Patent #3,732,643 titled "Cartridge Magazine." Aberdeen's BRL releases the memorandum report "Analysis of Exhaust Gases from the XM19 Rifle -- An Application of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy." A technique combining gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis was developed and applied to determine the chemical composition of gases resulting from firing the XM19 rifle with the XM645 flchette round. Cyanogen, carbonyl sulfide, carbon monoxide, nitrous and nitric oxides were among the products detected. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issue its first batch of IMI Galil rifles. HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer receive US Patent #3,731,417 titled "Firearms." June: The Philippine government announces that it will accept Colt's proposal for establishing a domestic small arms plant. The agreement will call for the direct purchase, initial in-country assembly and eventual production over a six year period of 150,000 rifles and the equivalent of 22,500 rifles in spares. Proposed Philippine Rifle Program Month Quantity Activity 0-9 10-18 19-21 22-24 25-36 37-48 49-60 61-72 5,000 15,000 7,500 7,500 30,000 40,000 45,000 22,500 Assembled by Colt Local Assembly Local Assembly/Production Local Assembly/Production Local Assembly/Production Local Production Local Production Local Production of Spares Local Content 0 Percent 10 Percent 20 Percent 50 Percent 80 Percent 100 Percent 100 Percent 100 Percent

The Chief of JUSMAG-PHIL informs CINCPAC Admiral Gayler that the Philippine government has requested approval of a FMS loan to finance the local co-production program. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "A Limited Analysis of a New Ammunition Concept for Potential Future Rifle Application." This report concerns the FABRL "low-impulse"

cartridge, created in a joint project between Frankford Arsenal and Aberdeen's Ballistic Research Laboratories (BRL). (While it is clear that the initials FABRL indicate the parent agencies, it is later explained away as: "Future Ammunition for Burst Rifle Launch.") The original projectile shape chosen by the BRL is the "AR2 artillery shape"; however, this proves difficult to manufacture. A slightly shorter compromise projectile known as the "Von Korman" bullet is used instead. This projectile weighs 32 grains as manufactured. The idea is that if the long, low drag projectile is launched at the same velocity as the shorter 55gr M193 projectile, the two cartridges will exhibit in similar trajectories. The lighter projectile will also provide the side benefit of reducing recoil by a third in comparison to the M193. Testing indicates that the "low-impulse" FABRL cartridge could improve the average probability of incapacitation by 60 percent over the M193, between the ranges of 0 to 500 meters. Since the lighter "Von Korman" projectile does not need as much propellant to reach the target velocity, it is realized that the FABRL cartridge case could be made shorter. Experiments with the shorter case leads to additional experiments with aluminum cases, achieving an overall cartridge weight of 87 grains versus the ~182 grain weight of the M193 cartridge. MAS publicly introduces its new 5.56mm bullpup Fusil Automatique. This is better known as the FA MAS, or FAMAS. HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer receive US Patent #3,736,686 titled "Automatic Hand Firearm with Interchangeable Magazine." July: The USASASA is disestablished. Control of the SAW project is passed on to Rodman Laboratory. Remington's John J. Scanlon receives US Patent #3,745,924 titled "Plastic Cartridge Case." Fairchild Industries' John F. Dealy and Michael W. York receive US Patent #3,742,636 titled "Firearm Having a Carrying Handle and Associated Rear Sight." Aberdeen's BRL issues the report "A hybrid computer model of the XM19 weapon." August: The Philippine Secretary of National Defense requests an FMS loan to partially finance the M16 co-production project. The loan would be for $15,614,000, divided into two annual installments: $8,622,000 in FY 1974 and $6,992,000 in FY 1975. The Philippine government requests that repayment be conducted over a period of 10 years, in eight equal annual installments following a two year grace period. The Philippine government will obtain additional foreign and domestic financing to fund the

remainder of the project. CINCPAC Admiral Gayler supports MACTHAI's recommendation for an one-time exception to MAP policy to provide 4,600 M16 to the Thai Border Police and National Police. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "An Analysis of Various Primer Vent Configurations in 5.56mm Ammunition." Statistical techniques were used to determine the ballistic effect of various primer vent configurations in 5.56mm ammunition. The results indicate that the 5.56mm standardized primer vent provides the most efficient ballistic system (i.e., the highest velocity-pressure ratio) of all vent configurations tested. Velocity, chamber pressure, action time, propellant ignition time, temperature coefficient of velocity, and the temperature coefficient of chamber pressure are all affected by a change in primer vent cross-sectional area. Aberdeen publishes the report "Development Test III of Cartridge, 5.56-MM, Aluminum, Blank." September: The US Embassy advises that it strongly recommends US support for the Philippine M16 co-production plan and approve the Philippine request for FMS credits, preferably out of FY 1974 and 1975 funds. The rest of the US Country Team and CINCPAC Admiral Gayler also recommend approval. The Embassy points out that the Philippine government will go ahead and establish a small arms factory, with or without US support. HK appears to be their backup choice. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Stress Corrosion Susceptibility of Aluminum Cartridge Cases." The report concerns the investigation of stress corrosion cracking of experimental aluminum cartridge cases in a 6 percent sodium chloride boiling solution. The 5.56mm cases were of 7475 aluminum alloy, tempered to T6 or T73 condition, and the empty cases were assembled with projectiles to represent the stressed condition of finished cartridges. Stresses applied to the mouth rim and neck of the cases were calculated from the interference (i.e., projectile diameter versus internal diameter of the case mouth and the case neck wall thickness.) For each of three calculated stress levels, a range of failure times was observed. William B. Ruger and Harry H. Sefried, II file a patent application for the three-round burst mechanism of the AC556. Colt's George Curtis and Henry Tatro receive US Patent #3,756,119 titled "Machine Gun." Andrew J. Grandy files a patent application for folded path ammunition and weapon systems. Rodman Laboratory publishes the report "Rifle-Gas Launched

Grenade Concept." The report describes a feasibility study on a novel approach for launching a 40mm grenade. The study was undertaken with the goal of conceiving and developing a future grenade launcher which would be applicable to the Future Rifle System Program. This program advocates a weapon system which is a combination of both a rifle (point fire) and a grenade launcher (area fire). To maximize integration of the launcher to the rifle design, it was theorized to utilize rifle propellant gases to launch a grenade projectile. The proposed concept would provide for reduced grenade ammunition costs, reduced number of launcher component parts, lighter total weapon system weight, and more grenade rounds per combat load. A concept which contained all of the above features was generated, designed, fabricated, and tested. October: Colt announces the signing of a preliminary agreement with the Philippines to establish a M16 manufacturing plant. The license, held by the Philippine government, will last 10 years and allow for export of an additional 65,000 rifles. The license includes a M16A1-type rifle and a 14.5" barreled carbine. Colt designates these variants the Model 613P and 653P, respectively. On behalf of the US Army, Leonard R. Ambrosini and Charles N. Bernstein file a patent application for the design of an external tracer projectile. Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Analytic Study of Extraction Forces in the M16 Weapon." A parametric study involving six geometric and materials parameters for both conventional brass and 7475 (TMT) aluminum 5.56mm cases in the M16 weapon is presented. Results defining the lowering of extraction force in terms of six materials and design factors are stated. It is found, based on these results, that the aluminum case is superior to brass in ease of extraction. Philco-Ford publishes the report "Process Development and Characterization of Chemical Vapor Deposited Tungsten for Gun Barrel Applications." A 20-month program was conducted to develop improved chemical vapor deposition (CVD ) processes for applying tungsten to the bores of gun barrels, and further, to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of the CVD tungsten as deposited. Conventional and high strain-rate tensile and compression tests were conducted on CVD tungsten as deposited on 4150 steel at temperatures of -65 F, ambient, and 200 F. Density, thermal expansion, and thermal conductance measurements were also made. Barrel materials of CG-27, L-605, 718, and Pyromet X15 were also investigated. Based on test firings, acceptable CVD tungsten adherence was demonstrated on 4150, but the other four alloys revealed only marginal quality. Fourteen MG3 test barrels of the five materials (chambered in .220 Swift) were fabricated and delivered to the USAF. November: Rodman Laboratory publishes the report "Effect on

the M16A1 Rifle of Firing .22 Caliber Ammunition." A 25,000 round test program was conducted to determine the effects on the M16A1 Rifle of firing up to 10,000 rounds of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition through it. No significant permanent degradation of the rifle was found. Rodman Laboratory also publishes the report "Holographic Analysis of Small Arms Barrels." Double-pulse holography techniques were used to observe gun-barrel deformation and motion during firing. Radial barrel deformations of an M16 barrel of approximately 0.0002 inch were observed. Colt's Henry Into receives US Patent #3,774,500 titled "Machine Pistol." HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer receive US Patent #3,774,498 titled "Charging Device for Automatic Firearms." Andrew J. Grandy files another patent application for a "folded path" cartridge and weapon system. December: Secretary of the Army Howard H. Callaway establishes the Army Materiel Acquisition Review Committee (AMARC) to conduct a comprehensive review, analysis, and critique of the Army's materiel acquisition process. Recommendations for improvement are to be made, with concentration on procedures and organization (especially that of the AMC). The DOD informs CINCPAC Admiral Gayler that it supports the Philippine M16 co-production plan; however, further action is awaiting State Department concurrence. The US Ambassador reemphasizes his support for the plan. Rodman Laboratory publishes the report "M16A1 Rifle Accuracy Parameters." An accuracy test program was conducted to determine which factors if any limit the accuracy of the M16A1 Rifle, those factors being looseness of the weapon's components, lubrication, corrosion, mixing of different types of ammunition, and types of rests used. Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of Cartridge, 5.56-MM, Ball, M193 with Gilding-Metal-Clad SteelJacketed Projectile." ARMCOM removes flchette cartridges from "immediate consideration" for use in the Future Rifle System Program. On behalf of the US Army, Robert F. Magardo, Leonard R. Ambrosini, and Raymond S. Isenson file a patent application for their version of the Dual Cycle Rifle. HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer receive US Patent #3,777,381

titled "Firearm Carrying Handle and Sight Protector." Andrew J. Grandy files yet another patent application for a "folded path" cartridge and weapon system. Abe Flatau, Donald N. Olson, and Miles C. Miller file another patent application for the Soft RAG. On behalf of the US Navy, Robert A. Leverance and Morrison B. Moore, III receive US Patent #3,776,093 titled "Muzzle Blast Suppressor."
(Next: 5.56mm 1974-1979) by Daniel E. Watters, Small Arms Historian
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