The 5.56 x 45mm - 1970 - 1973 - A Chronology of Development (Part 7) - By Daniel Watters

8/13/2019 The 5.56 x 45mm - 1970 - 1973 - A Chronology of Development (Part 7) - By Daniel Watters

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The Gunperson's Authoritative Internet Information Resource.

Part Seven...

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 theAMC's Research, Development, & Equipment Directorate, submits

the report "The M16 Rifle - A Case Historyto the Blue RibbonDefense Panel." Carten pins the primary blame for M16 malfunctionson the lack of specifications for case hardness. (Somewhere alongthe line, Colt reduced the strength of the extractor spring to helpprevent rim shear. After it was found that this caused its ownproblems, Colt introduced the rubber nub insert for the extractorspring.)

WECOM issues "M16 Series Rifle Weapon System - TransitionPlan."

The US Army begins delivery of M16A1 to National Guard units.

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "M16 Rifle/AmmunitionMalfunction 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 toSouth Vietnam.

The US provides a military assistance grant of 16,162 M16A1 toLaos.

The US provides a military assistance grant of 3,376 M16A1 toCambodia.

ArmaLite experiments with coated projectiles in hopes of reducingbore friction. The coating is a new process developed byDu-Kote.

ArmaLite also introduces the compact AR-18S.

C4 booby-trapped 5.56mm cartridges are encountered in the Phu

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Flchette / SPIW

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T G Z B l o g

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

Frankford Arsenal produces a variant of the FA-XM sound suppressorfor use on the XM177. These are intended for use by USAF CombatControl Teams (CCT).

Recently transferred from the USASASA to the T.J. RodmanLaboratory (Rock Island), AAI's XM19 program continues to debugthe design. Early in the year, the CDEC starts a new series of fieldexperiments 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 Studyto consider future replacements for the 7.62mm NATO cartridge andthe L1A1 SLR. Calibers ranging from 4mm to 7.62mm are to beconsidered.

The West German Department of Defense completes a list of designcriteria 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 TaiwanMAP.

Olin admits that WC846's manufacturing tolerances have played arole in cartridge performance. WC846 best suited for use in the5.56x45mm is at the opposite tolerance end from WC846 bestsuited for 7.62mm NATO cartridges. Other manufacturers were notmade aware of the differences. Henceforth, WC846 suitable for5.56x45mm is relabeled as WC844. The remainder of the WC846

syllabusThe Black Rifleby R. Blake

Stevens and Edward C. Ezell.

Second Edition.Collector Grade

Publications,Toronto, Ontario,

1992.

The Great Rifle Controversyby

Edward C. Ezell. Stackpole BooksHarrisburg, PA, 1984.

The M16 Controversiesby

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 Wasby R.

Blake Stevens and Edward C.

Ezell.Collector Grade

Publications,Toronto, Ontario,

1985.

Black Rifle II: The M16 into the

21st Centuryby Christopher R.

Bartocci.Collector Grade

Publications,Cobourg, Ontario,

2004.

The Last Enfield - SA80: The

Reluctant Rifleby Steve Raw.

Collector Grade Publications,

Cobourg, Ontario, 2003.

More by Watters...Other of Watters' learned works-in

progress for TGZincludeA Brief

History of Flchette and Project

SPIW,as well as.30 Carbine

WildcatsandMiniguns and the

Movies.

Valued E-mail UtilityAll E-mail to TGZis screened by

MailWasher Profor spam and

viruses. For a free trial download,

clickhere.Stop unwanted E-mail

before it reaches your machine.

Strongest recommendation.

Document HistoryPublication: 12/10/1998Last Revised: 05/17/2009
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tolerance range retains the WC846 label.

Fort Benning performs weather resistance testing on brass and steelcased cartridges. The cartridges are test fired after 30 days ofexposure.

ArmaLite submits to WECOM the proposal "Production of the AR-18 Rifle in the ROK Compared to M16."

February: The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC expressesinterest in a FMS purchase of 5,000 M16, 50,000 magazines, and4.75 million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. JUSMAG-PHIL and theUS Embassy recommend against allowing the purchase. Insteaddelivery should be expedited of the 1,208 M16 programmed underthe FY 1970 MAP. The rifles could be paid for by transferring thepurchase of diesel fuel from the MAP budget to FMS funds. AdmiralMcCain suggests the alternative of allowing the 1,208 M16 to bepurchased by FMS funds to allow MAP funds to be spent on otherpriorities. JUSMAG-PHIL indicates that the Chief of Staff of the

Philippine military has stated that they would be willing to cover thecost of commercial consumables if delivery of the M16 can beexpedited. With this, Admiral McCain forwards his recommendationto the JCS and Secretary of Defense Laird to expedite delivery of the1,208 rifles along with ammunition.

Thailand receives 23,806 M16.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Elimination of Gas TubeFouling in the M16A1 Rifle when using the M200 BlankCartridge." The culprit turned out to be the use of a white lacquerused by Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant to seal the crimp of theblank cartridge. The titanium dioxide pigment in the white lacquercaused the observed fouling. Frankford recommends that clear ororganically dyed lacquers be substituted for future M200 productionruns.

Frankford also releases the report "Metallurgical Examination ofFouled Gas Tube and Flash Suppressor from an M16A1 Rifle."

Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "The Gas Flow in Gas-Operated Weapons." The theory presented here predicts thepressure 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 forDevelopment of a Special Purpose Individual Weapon." Thisdocument covers their SFR/SBR developments to date. However, itappears that GE never receives any further funding to follow up ontheir recommendations, effecting shelving the revised GE/SpringfieldSPIW.

March: Secretary of Defense Laird announces that all US troops


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assigned to NATO duties will be equipped with the M16/M16A1.

All US Army infantry training has been converted from the M14 tothe M16A1 rifle.

The US Ambassador indicates that the Philippine government stillwants to purchase an additional 2,500 M16. The Embassy requeststhat if a FMS or commercial sale is approved, delivery of these riflesbe withheld until after the MAP provided rifles are delivered. AdmiralMcCain concurs with the recommendation

Secretary of Defense Laird approves delivery of the 1,208 M16 tothe Philippines from the FY 1970 MAP. He requests that Departmentof the Army deliver the rifles by April 25.

The US State Department approves the sale of 2,500 additional M16to the Philippines.

The CDCIA publishes "Army Small Arms Requirements Study I

(ASARS I): In-Process Review." The purpose of ASARS is todevelop documented data pertaining to the interaction of variablesmall arms characteristics, and the capability, through scientificmethod, of conducting subsequent trade-offs among thesecharacteristics. The results of ASARS, in conjunction with the resultsof other ARSAP tasks, will assist in the development of the optimumsmall arms system for the future.

In hopes of preventing rim shear, Lake City experiments with5.56mm cartridges using a thicker rim (0.055" versus the standard0.045")

The USAIB at Fort Benning and Gerald A. Gustafson at Aberdeeneach file a report titled "Product Improvement Test ofCartridges, 5.56-MM, Assembled with Steel Cartridge Cases."The purpose of the test was to determine suitability of the 5.56-mmsteel-cased cartridges to replace standard brass-cased cartridges,and to determine the physical and technical characteristics of the5.56-mm steel-cased cartridges. Specific test phases to which thesteel-cased cartridges were subjected were physical characteristics,safety, cartridge-weapon compatibility, adverse conditions (60-dayopen storage period), reliability, and human factors. There were nodeficiencies and one shortcoming found: the susceptibility of the test

cartridges to rust. There were 47 incidents of split cases out of21,642 steel-cased rounds fired. However, these split cases did notadversely affect the operation of the weapons. There were 71malfunctions with weapons firing control cartridges and 53malfunctions with weapons firing test cartridges. All malfunctions,with the exception of three, were either weapon- or magazine-caused. The blast, flash, noise, and felt recoil produced by the testcartridges were comparable to those of the control cartridges. Thetest cartridges ejected farther to the rear and right than did thecontrol cartridges. It is concluded that the steel-cased 5.56-mm


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cartridges are compatible with the M16A1 rifle and are suitable forUS Army use under intermediate climatic conditions.

Remington's John J. Scanlon files a patent application for acomposite plastic body/metal head cartridge case.

On behalf of the US Army, Harold H. Wiese files a patent applicationfor a disposable plastic magazine for the M16.

Because problems have been identified in the design of the weaponsduring engineering design tests by WECOM, the Stoner 63A1 arereturned to Cadillac Gage for evaluation. The evaluation of theseweapons leads to a redesign program.

Navy Ammunition Depot-Crane requests samples of the Colt CMG-2for testing.

April: Secretary of Defense Laird returns the logistic managementof M16 rifles to the services. Due the high demand and low supply of

the M16 over the past four years, allocation and distribution of therifles had been controlled by the Secretary of Defense, based onrecommendations from the JCS.

Re-titled "Product Manager, Rifles," COL Wing's responsibilities arelimited to the M16A1, XM203, and related ammunition.

The US Navy type-classifies the "Rifle, 5.56mm Mark 4 Mod 0." Thisis a M16A1 modified for dedicated use with the HEL-M4A suppressor(AKA: Mk 2 Mod 0 blast suppressor) and optimized for maritimeoperations by the SEALs. Most of the operating parts of the rifle arecoated inKal-Guard,a quarter-inch hole is drilled through the stockand buffer tube for drainage, and an O-ring is added to the end ofthe buffer assembly. The weapon can reportedly be carried to thedepth of 200 feet without damage.

Colt presents a contract proposal to the Philippine Embassy inWashington DC. The proposal indicates that 2,500 M16 will beshipped within 10 days after a letter of credit or cash payment isdelivered to Colt.

Meanwhile, the Philippine military takes delivery of the 1,208 M16from the FY 1970 MAP. The Chief of JUSMAG-PHIL note that this

delivery brings the Philippine M16 inventory to 1,408. An additional1,292 rifles are scheduled for future delivery under the FY 1971MAP. Should the purchase of the 2,500 rifles be completed, thePhilippines could have 5,000 M16 by mid-FY 1972. With this in mind,a technical data package for the manufacture of 5.56mmammunition has been requested from the AMC to support aPhilippine ammunition plant currently under construction.Completion is scheduled for mid-1971.

The Commander of MACTHAI informs Admiral McCain that the Thai
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government desires to establish a manufacturing capability for theM16. The Thai are requesting information on the availability ofequipment and the cost for establishing the capability of producing1,000-3,000 rifles per month. The Thai believe that the factory couldserve a dual purpose of manufacturing civilian goods. While hebelieves the funds could be better spent on counter-insurgencyefforts, the MACTHAI commander feels that the information shouldbe provided so that the Thai government could make an informeddecision. Admiral McCain concurs, and passes the request on toSecretary of Defense Laird. McCain requests that Laird comment onwhether it is advisable to redirect the Thai government to the USAgency for International Development (AID) or commercial sourcesfor developing a manufacturing capability.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Experimental Study of theFlow Characteristics in the Gas Tube of the M16A1 Rifle"

Pier Carlo Beretta files an US patent application for the design of theAR70.

Colt's Henry Into receivesUS Patent #3,507,067 titled "GrenadeLauncher Having a Rotatable Forwardly Sliding Barrel andRemovable Firing Mechanism."

May: Shipments of M16A1 rifles to US Army NATO troops begin.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Evaluation of the 5.56mmNosler Steel Bullet."

The military specification for M193 Ball, MIL-C-9963D, is revised toMIL-C-9963E.

The military specification for M197 Tracer, MIL-C-60111A, is revisedto MIL-C-60111B.

The GAO releases the report "Development and Cost of theArmy's Special Purpose Individual Weapon System." Itrecommends that the US Army does not procure any further SPIW-type weapons until the cost of the ammunition can be reduced.

Rep. Ottinger charges that the SPIW has been developed by the USArmy without the knowledge of Congress. He describes it as a

"secret poison dart gun-type weapon" and "diabolical andinhumane", shooting "flesh-ripping" darts.

June: The JCS informs Admiral McCain that current law andregulations do not provide for service funding of ammunition for thePhilippine military. Moreover, there are no present stocks of therequired ammunition to support the Philippines.

The CDCIA publishes the multi-volume "Army Small ArmsRequirements Study I."
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Aberdeen publishes the report "Initial Production Test ofMagazine, 30-Round, for M16A1 Rifles."

Testing of the Colt CMG-2 begins at NAD-Crane.

The USAF's Marksmanship School releases the report "Evaluationof 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 M16manufacturing plant will begin within the year, contingent upon anUS defense loan. Details are still being discussed with Colt.

US Army Foreign Science and Technology Center publishes "AWound Ballistics Comparison of: Bullet, 43-Grain, 5.56-mmBall, Soviet, MEN-29108 and Bullet, 55-Grain, 5.56-mm Ball,

M193, US."

Remington provides prototype grenade cartridges for launching theRAG-B ring airfoil grenade. These cartridges are later standardizedas the M755.

The US Army approves an Advanced Development Objective for anew LMG, introducing the nomenclature "Squad Automatic Weapon."

The British Jungle Warfare School's Trial and Development Wingissues the report "Trial of Section 5.56mm Light MachineGuns."

CDCEC publishes "XM19: Serially Fired Flchette WeaponEvaluation."

AAI publishes "Results of Engineering Study on SPIW MuzzleDevice."

August: Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "BallisticEvaluation 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 modificationsare made, the three weapons are transferred to the SEALs for fieldtesting.

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 willtotal 751,245 M16A1 and 2,300 M16 rifles.


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In debate over the defense appropriations bill, Rep. Bray speaks outagainst eliminating funding for one of the three M16 manufacturers.Bray also mentions rumors that the production tooling from theeliminated source would be shipped to a foreign country for co-production of the rifle.Rep. Robert L.F. Sikes(D-FL) supports theelimination of one of the manufacturers for the saving of $14.3million, but denies any knowledge of plans to move the tooling toanother country. Rep. Bray points out that the original defenseappropriations bill passed out of the House Armed ServicesCommittee insisted on maintaining three sources of production, butthat someone on the Appropriations Committee amended it to allowfor funding only two sources. This was reportedly done on requestfrom the Department of the Army.Rep. Philip J. Philbin(D-MA),chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, offers anamendment that would prevent the Army from procuring additionalM16 unless three sources were maintained. The amendment isstruck down 24 to 40.

An US business magazine reports that the US will allow South

Korean M16 co-production despite the objections of congressmenand labor unions that this move will result in unemployment of USworkers.

South Korean negotiations with Colt bog down again. Thedisagreement centers on patent royalties and treatment of UStechnicians.

Aberdeen releases the report "Military Potential Test of ShortRange Cartridges, 5.56-mm Ball, 7.62-mm Ball, and 7.62-mmTracer." The objectives of the test were to determine the safety ofthe cartridges when fired from the M14 and M16A1 rifles and theM60 machine gun, and to compare cartridge characteristics andperformance with that stated in the descriptive brochure. Thecartridges with their short-range capability were designed for thetraining of military troops. The test cartridges differed statisticallyfrom values given in the manufacturer's brochure in cartridgeweight, projectile weight, propellant weight, cartridge length, andprojectile length.

The British Armament Design Establishment (ADE) at RSAF Enfieldcreates a 5x44mm cartridge (roughly a .20/223 Remington), and aninitial order is placed with Radway Green for test cartridges. Since

1969, the ADE's experiments have centered around the '50s-eraprototype EM2 rifle with its 7x43mm cartridge case necked down to6.25mm. The change is inspired by a West German study indicatingthat future ideal military calibers will be 5mm or smaller. The finaladopted 5mm projectile requires a 1-in-5" twist. Existing AR-15, AR-18, and Stoner 63 rifles are converted to the new cartridge,including the belt fed Stoner 63 variant. Later, bullpup conversionsof the AR-18 and Stoner 63 rifles are executed.

Olin's Winchester-Western Division publishes "Summary and
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10/37

WECOM's Systems Analysis Directorate publishes the report"Analysis of M16 Rifle Dispersion and Dimensional Data." Ananalysis of the M16 rifle barrel dimensions and dispersion wasconducted. Dispersion prediction equations were obtained usingseveral categories of dimensional data. A discriminating procedurewas developed suitable for use by field troops to separate barrelswith "acceptable" dispersion from those "not acceptable". Depth-of-muzzle-penetration by the erosion gage was selected as thediscriminating variable.

The Chief of Staff of the Philippine military requests US approval ofthe FMS purchase of 4,000 M16. The US Ambassador and JUSMAG-PHIL support the request.

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Feasibility Study of Spin-Stabilized 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 5.56mmM16/M16A1 & Grenade Launcher 40mm M203."

Frankford Arsenal publishes "Semiempirical Model for Predictingthe Upper Size of Solid Particles Migrating from the Barrel tothe Gas Tube of the M16A1 Rifle."

The US provides a military assistance grant of 38,468 M16A1, 64XM177-type, and 43 XM148 to South Vietnam.

The US provides a military assistance grant of 18,880 M16A1 toLaos.


The US provides 15,000 M16A1 to Indonesia as part of a militaryassistance package.

The US provides 21,000 M16A1 to Jordan as part of a militaryassistance package.

The Philippine government requests proposals from foreign firms toestablish a domestic 5.56mm rifle plant. Proposals are reportedlysubmitted by Colt, ArmaLite, Beretta, CETME, IMI, FN, and HK.


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Malaysia enters negotiations to purchase 20,000 M16 and fivemillion 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 riflematches. (Rules and Regulations For National Matches: Change 2 toAR920-30)

The Swiss introduce the 5.56x48mm Eiger, a cartridge roughly insize to the .22-250. It is intended for military rifle experiments.

Hughes submits an unsolicited proposal to ARPA for a light machinegun using its proprietary "chiclet" cartridges.

The USASASA produces the concept of a Dual Cycle Rifle (DCR), aweapon in which a burst is fired at a very high rate while feed andextraction occur at a fraction of the speed. The DCR is the brainchildof USASASA commander Colonel Raymond S. Isenson and Technical

Director Leonard R. Ambrosini. Fifteen companies eventually submitproposals and two are accepted. Multiple barrel designs are rejecteddue to weight and bulk. The winning proposals instead applyrevolver cannon technology: a single barrel combined with amultiple chamber cylinder. The cylinder is fed from a box magazineholding three individual rows of cartridges. During the feed cycle,the top three rounds are simultaneously stripped into individualchambers. One design uses an asymmetrical three-chamber cylinderwhile the other uses a symmetrical nine-chamber cylinder. By 1973,the prototypes reportedly achieve cyclic rates of ~4,500 rounds perminute in three-round bursts.

The Brazilian Air Force purchases 15,000 HK 33.

MAS completes ten 5.56mm rifle prototypes. These are known asthe A1.

The 40mm M433 HEDP grenade cartridge is type-classified as"Standard A".

January: The Commanding General of CONARC orders all majorcommands to field at least one M16A1 rifle team for the US Army'schampionships.

Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Sensitivity Study of RifleGas Systems." Results of a sensitivity study of the M16 rifle gassystem are presented; this study is based on a simulation of riflegas system operation developed in the BRL. The calculationsindicate that thermodynamic variables in the bolt carrier cavity areonly weakly sensitive to variations in the following parameters:pressure and temperature in the gun barrel when the bullet passesthe port, friction in the duct flow, and frictional resistance to motionof the bolt carrier. The computational results are sensitive, however,


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to the chosen origin of time on the oscillogram showing barrelpressure at the port station. Graphs are presented for a typicalround illustrating pressure, temperature, density, and piston motionhistories for M16 and AR-18 rifle gas systems.

A delegation led by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense'sAssistant Vice Minister for Logistics MG Shin Won Shik visits the USto consult with the DOD and Colt. They conduct final negotiationsregarding a M16 co-production agreement.

Admiral McCain requests the support of Secretary of Defense Lairdfor the Philippine FMS purchase of 4,000 M16. According to the USAmbassador, Philippine President Marcos has requested that deliverybe made within 60 days. The US State Department subsequentlyapproves the sale, and indicates that a delivery date of February 28could be met as long as the Philippine government signs the DODLetter of Offer and submits payment by January 29. The Philippinegovernment beats the deadline with the submission of a check for$780,042.38.

Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test ofQuadrant Sight for the M203 Grenade Launcher." The sight wasinspected for physical characteristics, fired for accuracy, andsubjected to high and low temperatures, and to ruggedness andlubricants and solvents compatibility tests. No deficiencies wereencountered; four shortcomings, however, were experienced. Threeshortcomings were similar to shortcomings on the present standardquadrant sight. It was concluded that over-all performance of thetest sight was equal to that of the standard sight and that neitherwas correctly calibrated to impact grenades at the 300 and 375-meter ranges when using ammunition with a velocity level in thelower limit of acceptability for the M203 grenade launcher. It isrecommended that action be taken to produce ammunition with avelocity level of 245 +/- 5 fps from the M203 launcher, or that thesight (test or standard) be recalibrated for 40mm ammunition in thelower limit of allowable velocity acceptability (235 fps).

Comprehensive Designers Inc. publishes the report "LimitDimensional 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 laterG36). Its 4.6x36mm cartridge is the product of the jointSpanish/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 todeliberately induce yaw once a projectile strikes flesh, while notadversely effecting its accuracy during flight

February: Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "A Compendiumof Ballistic Properties of Projectiles of Possible Interest in


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Small Arms." The shapes cover a range of Length/Diameter ratiosranging from conventional bullets (approximately 3.5) to that offlchette (approximately 20), and include such shapes as cones,cone cylinders, and cone flares. The ballistic properties are mappedover a range of calibers (5.56mm, 6.5mm, and 7.62mm) andprojectile densities. A drag-reducing tracer is included as one of theprime design considerations as a means of reducing base drag.

Colt's John Jorczak and David Behrendt receiveUS Patent#3,564,950 titled "Cartridge Case Extractor Tool."

Carroll D. Childers and Joseph C. Monolo file "NWL TechnicalReport TR-2536" concerning the NWL-Dalhgren's third model 50-round magazine. The authors recommend that the magazine beadopted and issued one per every deployed SEAL Team member.

Cadillac Gage resubmits the redesigned Stoner 63A1 for renewedPhase 1 testing by WECOM.

ARPA, in conjunction with USASASA, awards TRW Systems acontract to develop an infantry rifle which will require far lessmaintenance than the issue M16A1. Appropriately, the project isnamed the "Low Maintenance Rifle" (LMR). An engineering team ledby Don Stoehr is assigned to the project. The final design uses agas-operated, roller-locked action, and bears more than a slightresemblance to the German FG42 paratrooper rifle. Since theweapon fires full-automatic only from an open bolt, the LMR borrowsthe trigger housing of the M60 GPMG, itself an amalgamation of theFG42 rifle and MG42 GPMG.Besides the 5.56mm models, at leastone prototype is chambered for the XM216 SPIW cartridge.

Frankford Arsenal publishes "Packaging Concept Study for 5.56mm 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." Inthese experiments, saboted flchette have been loaded intostandard 5.56x45mm cases and fired through M16 rifles. Conceivedas a low-cost way of testing different sabot/flchette designs, theimproved accuracy results cast doubt upon the existing SFR weapon

and cartridge designs.

March: The US and South Korean governments sign the M16 co-production Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which specifiesthe total quantity of rifles authorized for production in South Korea.This consists of 600,000 complete rifles and 48,000 rifle equivalentsin spare parts. The MOU also authorizes $42 million in FMS credits tosupport production equipment, raw materials, technical assistance,construction, royalty fees, and training. South Korea is prohibitedfrom transferring rifles or components to third parties without the
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consent of the US, and the MOU can be terminated only by mutualagreement. Licensing and technical assistance agreements are alsosigned by Colt and the ROK Ministry of National Defense. Thisimplements the MOU, establishes royalty fees, and provides training,production know-how, and technical assistance. South Korea isauthorized 100 percent rifle manufacturing capability, involving 124individual parts ranging from springs to buttstocks. (In contrast,Colt's factory produces only around 12 parts in house, and theremaining components are subcontracted among 70 vendors.) Fullproduction of 10,000 rifles per month is planned for May 1974, withthe completion of the production run expected by February 1979. Bythe end of the month, the first $15 million in FMS credits isapproved for FY 1971.

The military specification for M197 High Pressure Test, MIL-C-46936A(MU), is revised to MIL-C-46936B(MU).

Colt's John Jorczak receivesUS Patent #3,568,324 titled "Battlesightfor an Auxiliary Projectile Launcher."

The Chinese PLA's logistics department holds the 713 Conference, aresearch meeting to determine the desired characteristics of a SCHVcartridge.

Spring: AAI submits an unsolicited proposal for the development ofa plastic cased blank.

April: More than 1,000 union workers from Colt petitionRep.William R. Cotter(D-CT) to stop the US-Korea M16 co-productionagreement. Cotter lobbies the White House in an attempt to stop theplan.

The Colt CMG-2 is submitted for Navy nomenclature assignment.

May: The Pentagon refuses Rep. Cotter's Freedom of InformationAct request regarding details of the US-Korea M16 co-productionagreement.

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 patentapplications for the HK 36's carrying handle and integrated optic,trigger pack attachment, and ambidextrous charging handle.

Colt's Stanley Silsby files the report "LightweightRifle/Submachine Gun." The report details the design andfabrication of the four IMP prototypes for the USAF. Demonstrations

proved the basic concept of utilizing the shooter's arm as the
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gunstock was not only feasible but exceeded expectations. Furtherefforts will be made to improve trigger pull, trigger guidance, pistolgrip locking, the arm rest, sighting, and to modify the design forquantity production.

June: The CDCIA publishes "Army Small Arms RequirementsStudy 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-6AHelicopter." The objectives of the test were to evaluate andcompare the 5.56mm XM214 and the 7.62mm GAU-2B/A automaticguns for firing accuracy and effect of the weapons firing on flightcharacteristics. Only minor differences were noted in firing accuracyat ranges of 500 meters or less. A pronounced loss of accuracy wasnoted with the XM214 at ranges of 1000 meters and greater.Helicopter reactions were most apparent, for both weapons, duringhover firing at a high rate of fire and were more severe with the

GAU-2B/A than with the XM214. At forward airspeeds, only minordifferences in flight characteristics were noted during firing of theweapons. Vibration levels of the instrument panel and gun mountwere reduced significantly with installation of the XM214.

Rodman Laboratory publishes the report "Concepts of Single ShotGrenade Launchers Attached to an Infantry Rifle." The reportdiscusses the initial phase of an in-house design activity for thedevelopment of a 30mm grenade launcher. The launcher work is oneaspect of the total Future Rifle System Program. As such, theconceptual efforts were molded around many of the requirements ofthat program so as to produce a composite weapon systemconsisting of both area and point fire components. In a span of tenweeks, a team of five people produced 14 deserving concepts frommore than 23 basic approaches. Out of these 14, two concepts wereselected for further development and inclusion in the overall FutureRifle System Program. Detailed design activity is currently underwayto translate these two concepts to firing hardware for a projecteddelivery date of Fall 1971.

At Frankford Arsenal, Andrew J. Grandy and Martin Horchlerpublish"The Encapsulated Folded Ammunition Concept." Theauthors 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 forthe 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


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production of US weapons without authorization by Congress. TheHouse Foreign Affairs Committee rejects Cotter's proposal.

$10 million in FMS credits are approved for South Korean M16production in FY 1972.

Twin Cities AAP issues the memo "5.56mm ProductionEquipment Based on New Concept for Manufacture of SmallCaliber Ammunition."

Reynolds Metals publishes the report "Development of AluminumAlloys for Cartridge Cases." The study was aimed at developingan aluminum alloy suitable for use in a 5.56mm cartridge case. Twodistinctly different types of properties were required. In theannealed condition, the alloy must have good formability, such thatthe many cup and draw operations can be readily performed withoutthe introduction of defects. In the final heat treated condition thealloy must exhibit both high strength and toughness. Ideally, a yieldstrength of 80,000 PSI and a tear strength to-yield strength ratio of

1.5 were desired by the Sponsor. Such a combination of propertiesis not currently available in any known commercial alloy. Variationsof the commercial alloys 7075, 7178, and 7001 were studied.

Aberdeen publishes the report "Product Improvement Test of5.56-MM Gilding-Metal-Clad Steel-Jacketed TracerProjectiles."

MIL-STD-1453(MU), the military standard for the ballistic standardsand test method for evaluating and selecting 5.56mm ammunitionfor M16/M16A1 weapon acceptance tests, is published.

Frankford Arsenal begins computerized parametric design analysesto design a cartridge from scratch to meet the SAW requirements.Five candidate designs are considered. These include a 6.5mmflchette cartridge, and 5.56mm, 6mm, 6.35mm, and 6.5mmcartridges using conventional bullets.

WECOM publishes the report "Chromium Plating of Caliber .17(4.32mm) Barrels." Caliber .17 (4.32mm) barrel blanks weremachined to the exterior contour of an M16 Rifle barrel. Attempts tochromium plate these barrels with conventional plating fixtures wereunsuccessful because misalignment of the electrode caused

discoloration and shading of the plating. Attempts to obtainsatisfactory, chromium-plated bores by use of better electrodealignment with the conventional fixtures were also unsuccessful. Aself-aligning rotating electrode fixture was fabricated, and atechnique for chromium-plating the caliber .17 bore was established.With the use of the rotating electrode fixture, many of the problemswere eliminated that were encountered with the conventionalfixtures on the caliber .17 bore.

August: The Office of Product Manager, M16 Series Rifles is


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disbanded. The staff is reassigned within WECOM.

WECOM publishes the report "Procurement History and Analysisof M16 Rifle."

Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Comparison of aTheoretical and Experimental Study of the Gas System in theM16A1 Rifle." Results of the study show that functioning of the rifleis quite sensitive to variations in gas port diameter, initial volume,and effective pressure area in the gas system. However, functioningis quite insensitive to variations in leakage area, vent area, and thedistance the bolt carrier travels before uncovering the vent holes inthe gas system. The study concludes there is no great advantage inchanging any parameter in the M16 gas system.

COMUSKOREA advises Admiral McCain that a MOU will be negotiatedbetween the South Korean MND and the DOD for FMS credits forconverting and expanding the ROK arsenal for ammunitionproduction.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "An Analysis of LocalTemperature Profiles Encountered in the Aluminum CartridgeCase Drilled Hole Experiment." In order to gain a betterunderstanding of the failure phenomenon experienced withaluminum cases, a combination experimental and theoreticalprogram was initiated to study the failure dynamics usingintentionally 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 and6mm. The 5.56mm candidate design is based on a case 1.949" longand 0.4313" wide, loaded with a lead core 68gr bullet. The 6mmcandidate 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 actuallysmaller than the standard 5.56x45mm.)

The US Army Arctic Test Center issues the report "Service Test ofLauncher, Grenade, 40mm, M203, Attachment for Rifles,under Arctic Winter Conditions." The M203 is found unsuitablefor arctic use due to two deficiencies: fracture of the barrel guide

during firing and failure of the adhesive bond between thehandguard and the barrel. The latter problem had already beenidentified as an issue during 1969 testing at Aberdeen.

Colt's Stanley Silsby files a patent application for a rate reducer forthe IMP.

WECOM publishes the report "Evaluation of Experimental DriveSprings for the XM19 Rifle." Laboratory tests and a theoreticalstudy were conducted to determine the optimum design for


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increasing the life of the XM19 drive spring. Spring endurance testswere conducted by the Research Directorate of the WeaponsLaboratory at Rock Island. Fatigue properties of eight experimentaldrive spring designs were evaluated under simulated firingconditions. The experimental springs consisted of various materialsand strand constructions of three, seven, or 14 wires. A theoreticalstudy was performed by the University of Illinois under direction ofthe Research Directorate on the dynamic response of helicalcompression springs. Theoretical and experimental data werecorrelated and were in close agreement. It is determined from thisinvestigation that of the eight experimental designs that wereevaluated, the two-piece spring assembly is superior because itretained maximum loads at the completion of the endurance tests.

September: WECOM completes Phase 1 testing of the redesignedStoner 63A1.

Frankford Arsenal begins work on developing actual 6mm cartridgecases based on its computerized SAW model. Minor dimensional

changes are made to accommodate existing equipment and casecomponents (5.56x45mm 2nd draw pieces).

The M203 grenade launcher's military specification, MIL-L-45935, isissued.

On behalf of the US Army, Harold H. Wiese receivesUS Patent#3,603,020 titled "Magazine Assembly with Expendable CartridgeContainer Unit."

Stanley Silsby, on behalf of the US Army, receivesUS Patent#3,604,142 titled "Four-Stack Cartridge Magazine."

October: MUCOM Commanding General BG Graham issues adirective that the SAW cartridge cases be made of an alternativematerial other than brass, such as steel or aluminum. This change isin order to fully comply with the spirit of the DOD's copperconservation policy.

Colt's Henry Into files a patent application for the design of theSCAMP.

Dale M. Davis receivesUS Patent #3,611,872 titled "Lightweight

Compact Rifle."

November: The Connecticut Citizens Action Group, an organizationaffiliated with Ralph Nader, release a report titled "The M16: Colt'sLethal Lemon." It charges that Colt has deliberately circumventedArmy quality control requirements in the production of the M16. TheHouse 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
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plastic case blank.

Colt's Robert Fremont receivesUS Patent #3,619,929 titled"Magazine with Anti-Double-Feed Indentations in the Side Walls."

Colt's Henry Into and John Jorczak receiveUS Patent #3,618,248titled "Buttstock Assembly with a Latchable Door for a CompartmentFormed Therein."

Frankford Arsenal begins work on developing actual 5.56mmcartridge cases based on its computerized SAW model. Minordimensional changes are made to accommodate existing equipmentand case components (7.62mm NATO final draw pieces trimmed to1-3/8").

Frankford Arsenal publishes drawings of the initial 6mm SAW caseas Sketch BCX-1: 6MM Brass Case (Special). Approximately 800cases are fabricated to this design. These are held back awaitingdesign 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 SmallCaliber 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 33manufacturing plant.

December: Rep. Howard claims that the FBI is investigatingallegations that Colt has "deliberately cheated" on factory tests ofthe M16. The FBI will only confirm that an inquiry is in progress.

$5 million in FMS credits for South Korean domestic ammunitionproduction are approved for FY 1972.

The Naval Training Device Center publishes the report "ClothingPenetration Tests for the M16 Training Cartridge." The reportindicates that trainees are not adequately protected against strayprojectiles based on penetration tests for the M16 training cartridge.

Fairchild Industries' John F. Dealy and Michael W. York file a patentapplication 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 toCadillac Gage to design and produce the Stoner 63A1 required forPhase 2 testing at Aberdeen be terminated at no cost to theGovernment. With this, production of the Stoner 63A1 ends.

Colt's George Curtis and Henry Tatro file patent applications for thedesign of the CMG-2.
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Physics Technology Labs publishes the report "Feasibility Study ofthe Sputtering of Coatings Onto the 4.32mm Barrel Bore." Theresearch is under contract to the USASASA.

Frankford Arsenal begins limited fabrication of the 5.56mm SAWcartridge case. Approximately 100 cases are made through January1972. These are held back waiting for the procurement of the 68grbullets and a special test barrel.

Col. Raymond S. Isenson of the USASASA rejects Colt's SCAMPproposal as the US Army is experimenting with a parallel small armsprogram 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 XM732Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV).

Aberdeen discovers that M196 Tracer cartridges loaded with IMR8208M is clocking lower than normal cyclic rates. WC844 is tested inan experimental batch of tracer, and the cyclic rates return tonormal.

Frankford Arsenal conducts a test program to optimize the hardnessgradient of the 5.56mm case.

Aberdeen publishes the report "Optimum Bullet Study." While theuse of aerodynamic computations as a design basis for artillery shellhas been well established, the information generated had not beenon shapes (or in sizes) of obvious interest to the small armsdesigner. Further work is needed to establish a base of confidence incomputing the behavior of small arms projectiles and this should bedone in bullet sizes and subject to typical small arms systemsconstraints. In an effort to provide this more general design basis,several programs are generated within the BRL and later partiallysupported by other agencies, particularly AMSAA and USASASA.

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "An Analysis of 5.56mm

Aluminum Cartridge Case Burn-Through Phenomenon." Thiswork was aimed at understanding the "burn-through" problem thathas impeded orderly engineering development and application ofaluminum alloy cartridge cases in high-performance ammunitionsince the 1890's. It has been shown that a gas path through the wallof an aluminum case, and through which propellant gas can flowduring the internal ballistic cycle, is a precursor to the "burn-through" phenomenon. Solutions to this problem have been foundthat either prevent propellant gas flow through a path in the casethat develops unintentionally during firing of the ammunition, or


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alter the effect of propellant gas flow through such a gas path. Sincean engineering understanding of the "burn-through" phenomenon isavailable, work is currently underway to demonstrate the feasibilityof aluminum cartridge cases.

The US provides a military assistance grant of 77,417 M16A1, 6,145M16, 83 XM177-type, and 164 XM148 to South Vietnam.


The US provides 90 M16A1 to Indonesia as part of a militaryassistance package.

The US provides 24,000 M16A1 and 900 M203 to Jordan as part of amilitary assistance package. (Deliveries of the M203 stretch through1973.)

The CDCIA publishes "ASARS II Overview."

The CDCIA's Systems Analysis Group publishes "ASARS II BattleModel: Working Description of Logic."

RSAF Enfield's preliminary study concludes. Not surprisingly, theideal caliber chosen is 5mm, for use with both the IW and LSW.Unconventional technologies such as flchette and caselesscartridges were deemed too technically difficult to master within thedesired time frame. A bullpup configuration is preferred as it givesthe desired reduction in size without resorting to folding/collapsiblestocks. (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 tothe SUIT. Based on the recommendations, a General Staff Target(GST 3518) is written to give specifications and goals for thefollowing 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 the5.45x39mm 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'sOrdnance Division (now part of Alliant Techsystems) for thedevelopment of a 30mm grenade cartridge to replace the existing40x46mm. (The actual design is credited to Picatinny.)

Winter: Colt Industries recombines the Colt Firearms Division.


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January: Aberdeen publishes "Comparison Test of Rifle, 5.56-MM, M16A1."

Singapore receives US approval for an export license to sell M16S toThailand. This one of the few export sales that Colt and the US StateDepartment will ever approve.

Frankford Arsenal publishes drawings of the 5.56mm SAW case asSketch BCX-30: 5.56MM Brass Case (Special).

Because of the delay in the design analyses of prospective SAWbullet designs, Frankford Arsenal decides to procure commercialcartridge cases and bullets. These will be handloaded for ballistictests to confirm additional computer predictions. Frankford orders1,000 .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-controltests for the M16.

The US Army MTU prepares a lesson outline for the development ofa National Match M16A1 rifle. Testing has indicated the superiorityof a 1-in-9" twist heavy barrel over a 1-in-12" twist barrel of thesame profile. Bullet weights as heavy as 70gr are also tested withhandloads.

The US Coast Guard publishes the report "Evaluation of the M16Rifle as a Line-Throwing Gun." A M16 rifle was adapted to a linethrowing gun using an inert Mecar grenade. The results of the testfirings indicate that the M16 is an unacceptable line throwing device.

Frankford Arsenal begins experiments with the standard 5.56x45mmcase necked up to 6mm. Testing continues through at least May1972. (Around 1974 or later, Brunswick Corp. submits a similarexperimental 6x45mm round as an unsolicited proposal toFrankford. The cartridge is also based on a reformed 5.56x45mmcase 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 ofFY 1972, development contracts for ten SAW prototypes are let toMaremont (Saco) and Philco-Ford (later, Ford Aerospace). A designteam at the Rodman Laboratory ultimately develops their owncandidate, the XM235. The goal is to procure a weapon with aneffective range of 800-1,100m that weighs 17-21 pounds whenloaded with 200rds of ammo. The ball cartridge must be able todefeat a helmet at 800m, and the tracer must remain visible beyondthe same range. Gene Stoner has reportedly advised Cadillac Gagenot to bother with adapting the Stoner 63 design to the new


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requirements.

Frankford Arsenal's Case Shop is requested to fabricate an additional800 5.56mm SAW cases with a 0.10" longer neck. The change inneck length is intended to accommodate a longer bullet design.

Frankford Arsenal receives its order of 1,000 .222 RemingtonMagnum primed cases, 1,000 .250 Savage primed cases, variouscommercial bullets, and loading dies. The latter includes formingdies to neck up the .222 Rem Mag cases to 6mm. The 6mm/222Rem Mag wildcat cases are loaded with the 0.243" Speer 105grspitzer and the Remington 100gr "Pointed Special." The .250 Savagecases are loaded with the 0.257" Remington 100gr "PointedSpecial." After testing, the .250 Savage is deemed unsuitable, andthe 6mm/222 Rem Mag case is deemed to be too small to achievethe desired velocities with 100-105gr bullets.

For unknown motivations, the British ADE decides to rename their5x44mm 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&REquipment."

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Investigation of a LowNoise Duplex Cartridge (LNDC)."

Frankford Arsenal also publishes "Firing Shock Measurements onthe M16 Rifle."

In addition, Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Compilation ofFrankford Arsenal Memo Reports on 5.56mm AR-15/M16Rifle/Ammunition System (1963-1970)."

Remington issues the report "Tracer Simulation Study." Undercontract to the Army, Remington investigated infrared laser ignitionof 5.56mm tracers. The results were mixed as sensitivity to laserstimulation did not correlate to live fire performance.

Mellonics Systems publishes "The Identification of ObjectiveRelationships between Small Arms Fire Characteristics andEffectiveness of Suppressive Fire." Performed under contract toARPA, the purpose of this study is to identify objective relationshipsbetween small arms weapons characteristics and effectiveness insuppressive fire. In addition, this study provides a methodologythrough which the suppressive capabilities of various small armsweapons may be assessed. Beside literature searches of battlefieldexperiences and surveys of combat veterans, life fire testing wasconducted using the M1A1 SMG, XM19, M16, AK-47, M60, and M2


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BMG. Of interest is that the XM19 ranked far last in perceiveddangerousness in incoming fire.

Frankford Arsenal completes fabrication of the 800 modified 5.56mmSAW cases. Again, these are held back in anticipation of test barrelsand development of load data. (Once again, it appears that thesecases 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 caselengthened to 1.898", 1.981", and 2.031". Alternative 6mm caseswith a wider 0.410" case head are also drawn up. These are designstudies only, pending a mutually agreeable decision betweenMUCOM and WECOM's R&D agencies.

USASASA holds a PDW conference at Aberdeen.

May: Rock Island publishes "Investigation of the Interaction ofWeapon-Ammunition Subsystems." Acceptance-test data for five

manufacturers' production of 5.56mm ammunition were analyzedthrough time-series modeling, an empirical cumulative distributionfunction was formulated, and a bivariate histogram of chamberpressure and port pressure was developed for use in the selection ofweapon-test ammunition.

The BRL publishes "Interior Ballistics Study of the M16A1Rifle."

MUCOM, WECOM, and USASASA representatives meet at FrankfordArsenal. It is agreed that the new SAW cartridge will use a 105gr6mm projectile, possess a 0.410" case head, have a case taper of0.1746" per inch of length, and use a steel case. (A brass casedvariant will be designed as a backup.) Frankford Arsenal estimatesthat the new cases will not be available until August 1972.

"Personal Defense Weapons (PDW) Summary Report" ispublished.

Aberdeen's BRL releases the report "A Technique for QualityControl of Piston Primer Ammunition." Sponsored by theUSASASA, the study desired to find ways of improving the reliabilityof AAI's primer-actuated action.

June: The BRL publishes "Experimental Ballistic Properties ofSelected Projectiles of Possible Interest in Small Arms." Thisreport includes data collected from test firing 0.224" projectilesusing the "AR2 artillery shape."

Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, on contract to Frankford Arsenal,publishes "Determination of Temperature Gradients in 5.56mm Aluminum Cases."


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5.56-MM Tracer Ammunition Loaded with IMR 8208M andBall WC844 Propellant."

Due to bullet seating issues with the 4.85x44mm, the British ADEdecide to elongate the case neck, creating the 4.85x49mm. An orderis placed with Radway Green for 4.85x49mm cartridge cases.

Edgewood Arsenal issues the report "A Kinetically Non-Hazardous Ring Airfoil Projectile for Delivering Riot Control

Agent."

September: The US Army Armament Command (ARMCOM) iscreated. Headquartered at Rock Island, it will combine MUCOM, theArmy 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 thePhilippine military, only Colt, ArmaLite, HK, and IMI will be eligiblefor further consideration. The BOI indicates that the co-productionprogram 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 providetechnical assistance, parts, and materials. The Philippinegovernment will hold the license.

October: The US ambassador and Lebanese Minister of ForeignAffairs sign a protocol related to a purchase of M16 rifles.

The Philippines opens negotiations to various international armsmakers for construction of a domestic small arms plant. Colt and HKare considered to be the front-runners. Colt informs JUSMAG-PHILthat they estimate a cost of $22.5 million to cover the total packageof technology, equipment, and materials.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Effect of 5.56mm PrimerComponents on Ballistic Performance of the M16A1Rifle/Ammunition System" As a result of previous testing atFrankford Arsenal, it was decided to conduct more extensive testingof 5.56 mm primers. A factorial experiment was conducted todetermine the effects of these primers on interior ballistics for bothball and tracer ammunition. The primer mixture, the primer weight,and the conditioning temperature of the ammunition were varied toinvestigate their effects, individually and in conjunction with each

other, on the cyclic rate of the M16 rifle, on the action time of theammunition in the rifle, and on the velocity of the projectile. Theresults of this test show that within the limits tested, primercomponents did effect ballistic performance, but to a lesser degreethan external factors such as the rifle used and the conditioningtemperature of the ammunition.

Frankford Arsenal also publishes the report "Effect of PropellantAdditives in Reducing Fouling and Erosion in the M16A1Rifle."


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WECOM publishes the report "New and Improved RubberCompounds for Weapon Systems." The report notes that newlydeveloped fluorosilicone rubber inserts significantly increased theservice life of the M16A1 rifle extractor springs.

November: The new CINCPACAdmiral Noel A.M. Gaylersuggeststhat the Philippine government consider a commercial purchase ofM16 from Colt. JUSMAG-PHIL indicates that the Philippinegovernment is currently negotiating for the direct purchase of 7,000M16.

Frankford Arsenal releases the report "Aluminum Cartridge CaseFeasibility Study Using the M16A1 Rifle with the 5.56mm Ball

Ammunition as the Test Vehicle." Identification of the "burn-through" problem associated with high-performance aluminumcartridge-cases was made as the result of studies to isolate theelements of this problem and relate these elements to the interiorballistic cycle of the M16A1 rifle system. One practical solution (the

flexible internal element) to this problem was found. This solutionwas coupled with improvements in mechanical performance of thealuminum case by new analytical design techniques, tougher high-strength aluminum alloy, and novel case processing techniques.With the different improvement combined, the feasibility of thealuminum cartridge case was demonstrated by test firing.

Frankford Arsenal also publishes the report "Investigation of thePiston Primer For Use in the XM645 Cartridge."

Aberdeen's BRL releases the report "Resume of Special Tests ofthe XM19 Rifle and XM645 Ammunition." These tests were toexamine the causes of health related complaints made by troopstesting 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 theM203.

The US Army Chemical Systems Laboratory publishes the report"Evaluation of the Wounding Potential of Single ProjectilesFrom the 40-mm Multiple Projectile Cartridges XM576 and

the XM576E2."

Abe Flatau, Donald N. Olson, and Miles C. Miller file a patentapplication for a pair of non-lethal RAGs, one with a payload and theother without. These become known as the Soft RAG and the StingRAG, respectively.

December: GE's Richard S. Rose and Burton P. Clark file a patentapplication for GE's version of the Dual Cycle Rifle. It uses anasymmetrical six-chamber cylinder. During its forward stroke, the
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central operating rod/bolt strips three rounds from the magazinewhile ejecting three spent cases. During the rearward stroke, threerounds are fired in sequence while three spent cases extracted fromthe other chambers.

Battelle Memorial Institute publishes the report "Research andDevelopment on Coextrusion of Bimetallic .220 Swift and25mm Gun Barrels." This was a research and development

program on lined gun barrels directed toward selecting desirablebarrel and liner material combinations, which will increase the life ofbarrels in rapid fire gun systems, and developing the fabrication

processes for producing these barrels with a metallurgically bondedliner. Coextrusion was used as the method for producing the linedbarrel stock. The program was divided into two parts with the first

part directed toward producing lined .220 Swift barrels of selectedmaterial combinations for testing in the M60. A-286 steel wasselected 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. Allthe liners coextruded with the barrel steel satisfactorily over a small

mandrel except T-222. The four successfully coextrudedcombinations were fabricated into .220 Swift barrels with swagingbeing used to rifle the barrels.

Philco-Ford publishes the report "Development of anElectrochemical Machining Process for Rifling Lined GunBarrels." A 16-month program was conducted to advance high

performance gun barrel technology by developing an electrochemicalmachining process for rifling high performance barrel liner materials.

A total of 15 electrolytes and numerous electrochemical machiningparameters were evaluated in conducting electrochemicalmachinability studies on iron-nickel-base, nickel-base, and cobalt-base superalloys, and on refractory alloys of columbium,molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten. Four materials (L-605,VM103, CG-27, and alloy 718) were selected for electrochemicalrifling and fabrication into .220 Swift barrel liners. The rifled linerswere insulated externally and assembled into outer barrel jacketsusing a drawing process, thus producing insulated composite testbarrels. A total of 12 MG3 test barrels, representing the four linermaterials and three jacket materials (H-11, A-286, and Pyromet X-15), were fabricated and delivered to the USAF. The results of this

program indicate that electrochemical machining is a feasibleprocess 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 new4.85x49mm cartridge cases, RSAF Enfield requires preliminaryballistic data with 4.85x49mm pressure barrels. As a result, Enfieldis forced to use 4.85x44mm cases with the bullets' cannelure seated5mm above the case mouth.

1973...


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HK introduces a 5.56mm belt-fed LMG, the HK 23A1.

HK begins delivery of equipment to Thailand for their new HK 33production facility, the Royal Thai Armory.

MAS completes ten A3 rifle prototypes.

Frankford Arsenal experiments with a 4.32x40mm cartridge. It isdubbed 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 isbased on non-lethal variants of Abe Flatau's Ring Airfoil Grenade(RAG).

January: ARMCOM officially begins operations.

Frankford Arsenal publishes "Study of the Pressure DistributionBehind the M193 Projectile when Fired in the M16 RifleBarrel."

The US Army CDC approves a Materiel Needs Document for a FutureRifle System (FRS). In many ways, it is a restatement of the SPIWrequirements, incorporating both point and area target capabilities.However, the FRS is opened up to more than the previous flchettecartridge systems. Among the requirements: The ability to maintaina rate of fire of 540 rounds every six hours for an entire day (15grenade firings during the same six hour period). The point firecartridge must be 25 percent more likely to incapacitate than theM193 from the M16A1. It must have a 30-50 percent probability ofhitting a kneeling target at ranges from 300-500 meters. The areafire cartridge must be smaller than 40mm, yet maintain the lethalityand range of the larger cartridge. The loaded weight of both systemscombined must be less than 9-11 pounds. The point fire weapon isto display a minimum MRBS of 1,000 for the first 10,000 roundsfired. The area fire weapon is to display a minimum MRBS of 500 forthe first 5,000 rounds fired.

Hughes' Morris Goldin receivesUS Patent #3,713,240 titled"Lockless Firearm System."

February: The Indonesian Minister for Defense and Security makesa personal plea to Vice President Spiro Agnew requesting additionalmilitary assistance. Among the requests is the desire to establish adomestic 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."
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The British ADE is at work developing a rifle design for their4.85x49mm cartridge. The Project Leader is Col. John Weeks, andthe rifle design team is led by Sydney Hance. (Hance had been chiefdesign assistant for the EM2 rifle.) The resulting IW and LSW areboth equipped with separate, push-through selector and safetybuttons. While the IW fires from the closed-bolt position in allmodes, the LSW fires from a closed-bolt position only in semi-automode. 3 round burst and full-auto fire are from an open bolt

position. In addition, at least one prototype is chambered in5.56x45mm for comparison purposes.

Prototype 4.85x49mm ammo is created by reforming fired 5.56mmblank cartridges from FN.

The US Army Arctic Test Center testing of the M203 is terminatedpending design reevaluation and a product modification to correctprimer punch-out problems. The latter problem had also beenidentified as an issue during 1969 testing at Aberdeen.

March: The FY 1973 Indonesian MAP is cut nearly in half. The USAmbassador to Indonesia suggests possible concessions to softenthe blow. These mirror the previous month's requests by theIndonesian Minister of Defense and Security. CINCPAC AdmiralGayler concurs in the need to make some concessions, butrecommends that the small arms plant be reserved for a joint studyproposal. The US State Department points out that theestablishment of an Indonesian small arms plant is already beingnegotiated on a commercial basis.

The military specification for the M16 and M16A1 rifles, MIL-R-45587, is revised to MIL-R-45587A.

The US Army Arctic Test Center publishes the report "ProductImprovement Test of Gilding Metal Clad Steel (GMCS) Jacketsfor 5.56MM Projectiles." The testing had been conducted onbehalf of Frankford Arsenal.

The US Army Arctic Test Center issues the report "Check Test ofLauncher, Grenade, 40mm, M203, under Arctic WinterConditions."

TRW ceases development of the LMR.

Morris Goldin files a patent application for the design of the plastic-cased "chiclet" cartridge.

Frankford Arsenal publishes "Determination of Normal ForcesArising from In-Bore Pressures on an N-Segmented Sabot:Single Flchette."

April: Radway Green delivers the first purpose made 4.85x49mm


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cartridges.

Colt's Stanley Silsby receivesUS Patent #3,724,325 titled "RateReducer."

May: On behalf of the US Army, Warren W. Wells receivesUSPatent #3,732,643 titled "Cartridge Magazine."

Aberdeen's BRL releases the memorandum report "Analysis ofExhaust Gases from the XM19 Rifle -- An Application of GasChromatography/Mass Spectroscopy." A technique combininggas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis wasdeveloped and applied to determine the chemical composition ofgases resulting from firing the XM19 rifle with the XM645 flchetteround. Cyanogen, carbonyl sulfide, carbon monoxide, nitrous andnitric oxides were among the products detected.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issue its first batch of IMI Galilrifles.

HK's Tilo Mller and Dieter Ketterer receiveUS Patent #3,731,417titled "Firearms."

June: The Philippine government announces that it will accept Colt'sproposal for establishing a domestic small arms plant. Theagreement will call for the direct purchase, initial in-countryassembly and eventual production over a six year period of 150,000rifles and the equivalent of 22,500 rifles in spares.

Proposed Philippine Rifle Program

Month Quantity Activity Local Content0-9 5,000 Assembled by Colt 0 Percent

10-18 15,000 Local Assembly 10 Percent

19-21 7,500 Local Assembly/Production 20 Percent



37-48 40,000 Local Production 100 Percent

49-60 45,000 Local Production 100 Percent

61-72 22,500 Local Production of Spares 100 Percent

The Chief of JUSMAG-PHIL informs CINCPAC Admiral Gayler that thePhilippine government has requested approval of a FMS loan tofinance the local co-production program.

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "A Limited Analysis of aNew Ammunition Concept for Potential Future Rifle

Application." This report concerns the FABRL "low-impulse"
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Grenade Concept." The report describes a feasibility study on anovel approach for launching a 40mm grenade. The study wasundertaken with the goal of conceiving and developing a futuregrenade launcher which would be applicable to the Future RifleSystem Program. This program advocates a weapon system which isa combination of both a rifle (point fire) and a grenade launcher(area fire). To maximize integration of the launcher to the rifledesign, it was theorized to utilize rifle propellant gases to launch agrenade projectile. The proposed concept would provide for reducedgrenade ammunition costs, reduced number of launcher component

parts, lighter total weapon system weight, and more grenade roundsper combat load. A concept which contained all of the abovefeatures was generated, designed, fabricated, and tested.

October: Colt announces the signing of a preliminary agreementwith the Philippines to establish a M16 manufacturing plant. Thelicense, held by the Philippine government, will last 10 years andallow for export of an additional 65,000 rifles. The license includes aM16A1-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 externaltracer projectile.

Frankford Arsenal publishes the report "Analytic Study ofExtraction Forces in the M16 Weapon." A parametric studyinvolving six geometric and materials parameters for bothconventional brass and 7475 (TMT) aluminum 5.56mm cases in theM16 weapon is presented. Results defining the lowering of extractionforce in terms of six materials and design factors are stated. It isfound, based on these results, that the aluminum case is superior tobrass in ease of extraction.

Philco-Ford publishes the report "Process Development andCharacterization of Chemical Vapor Deposited Tungsten forGun Barrel Applications." A 20-month program

The 5.56 x 45mm - 1970 - 1973 - A Chronology of Development (Part 7) - By Daniel Watters

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Transcript of The 5.56 x 45mm - 1970 - 1973 - A Chronology of Development (Part 7) - By Daniel Watters