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The Gun Zone 5.56mm 'Prologue'

Part Eleven...

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

The 5.56 X 45mm: 1990-1994

A Chronology of Development by Daniel Watters
1990...
The Weapon System Management Directorate at Rock Island Arsenal conducts a Fielded Systems Review of the M16A2. For the most part, the rifle is well received. They are complaints however about the 3 round burst feature, and the accuracy of the M855 and M856 cartridge. The British hold additional Environmental User Trials for the SA80. Only one modification package for the IW/LSW is tested. These are known as the XL85E5 and XL86E5. Parts modified for the E5 include the following: Trigger Safety plunger Hold open latch Interceptor sear Ejection port dust cover Dust cover spring Gas block Gas plug Handguard IMI introduces the Negev LMG. HK licenses manufacture of the HK53 to Greece. CIS introduces the SR88A, a product improved SR88. The Czech State Defense Council instructs CZ to produce a 5.56mm version of the LADA. GIAT purchases FN. With this, GIAT quietly shelves their 5.7x22mm

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

PDW project. January: AMCCOM awards a $30,000 contract modification to Colt related to the 1967 Licensing Agreement. AMCCOM awards a $13,580,000 contract modification to FNMI for the M16A2. The M4 Carbine Required Operational Capability Document is issued. AMCCOM awards a $88,000 delivery order to FN related to the M249. The British ITDU starts SA80 Cold Trials. February: The British ITDU ends SA80 Cold Trials. The ITDU also tests a shroud for the SA80's magazine catch. British armorers receive an improved hold open device for retrofit to the SA80. March: Colt Industries finalizes its agreement to sell the Colt Firearms Division to CF Holding Company. The ownership of the renamed Colt's Manufacturing Company will include the striking union employees, current Colt management, and the state of Connecticut. As a result of the sale, the four year old labor strike at Colt ends. AMCCOM awards a $10,104,000 contract modification to FNMI for M249. AMCCOM requests a JAG legal review of the ACR candidates to ensure that they comply with international laws of war. AMCCOM awards a $167,000 contract modification to HK for ACR RDT&E. AMCCOM awards a $73,000 contract modification to Steyr for ACR RDT&E. FN's Rene Predazzer receives US Patent #4,905,394 titled "Top Mounted Longitudinal Magazine." Spring: The Burmese Army contacts Omnipol in Czechoslovakia about converting their 7.62mm G3 rifles to 5.56mm. April: The US Army awards a contract to Bushmaster for 65 carbines having "all the physical and technical characteristics of the M4 Carbine." The British ITDU restarts SA80 Hot/Dry Trials at Ascension Island.

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. The M16 Controversies by Thomas L. McNaugher. Praeger Publishers, New York, NY, 1984. The History and Development of the M16 Rifle and its Cartridge by David R. Hughes. Armory Publications, Oceanside, CA, 1990. The SPIW: The Deadliest Weapon that Never Was by R. Blake Stevens and Edward C. Ezell. Collector 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 Daniel...
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

HK and Dynamit Nobel develop an experimental 4.7x25mm caseless cartridge, essentially a short variant of their DM11 caseless rifle cartridge. HK plans to use it for the development of a new PDW project known internally as the NBW (Nahbereichswaffe: Close Range Weapon). AMCCOM awards a $1,428,000 contract to Center Industries. May: AMCCOM awards a $236,000 contract modification to Colt related to the 1967 Licensing Agreement. AMCCOM also awards a $28,000 contract modification related to the M16 and M203. The International Affairs Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate General issues a legal review of the ACR candidates. All of the rifles are considered to be compliant with the international laws of war. The military specification for the M200 Blank, MIL-C-60616B(AR), is revised to MIL-C-60616C(AR). The military specification for 5.56mm Heavy Bullet Reference cartridges, MIL-C-70460A(AR), is amended. The British MOD introduce a product improvement kit for the L85/L86 family. Changes include a redesigned trigger, cross bolt safety, and a number of other small parts, pins, and assemblies. (However, less than half of weapons will have been upgraded by 1993.) The British ITDU ends SA80 Hot/Dry Trials at Ascension Island. The MRBS is 260. (Reportedly, the threshold figure was a mere 120 MRBS, with an objective figure of 240 MRBS.) Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receives US Patent #4,928,597 titled "Ring Fuze for Firearm Ammunition." AMCCOM awards a $39,000 contract modification to FNMI related to the M16. The USAIS creates a draft ROC document reinitiating the search for an optical sight for the M16A2. It also suggests that the same sight be used with the M249. June: Italy adopts the Beretta AR70/90. HK's Rudolf Brandl and Heinz Matt receive US Patent #4,930,400 titled "Magazine with Linkless Cartridge Feed System." Two Czech specialists are sent to Rangoon to begin work on the G3 conversion to 5.56mm. They test a pair of G3 already converted by the Burmese. These are found to be lacking in reliability and accuracy. As a result, the Burmese Army decides to have the Czech firm ZVS-VV develop a conversion process. The Czech firm

subsequently converts three G3 and completes their testing by the end of the year. Beta Co. sends an interim report to the British MOD concerning the SA80 and the C-Mag. The MOD indicates that there is no formal requirement for a 100 round magazine, but agrees to loan an additional pair of weapons of the improved design. Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receives US Patent #4,930,241 titled "Hand-Held Firearm Provided with a Detachable Sight." Summer: Improved Ultimax 100 are shipped to Naval Weapons Support Center-Crane for further testing. July: AMCCOM awards a $1,796,000 contract modification to Colt related to the M16 and M203. AMCCOM awards a $73,000 contract modification to AAI for ACR RDT&E. AMCCOM deallocates $98,000 in a contract modification to HK for ACR RDT&E. AMCCOM deallocates $53,000 in a contract modification to Steyr for ACR RDT&E. Gene Stoner receives US Patent #4,942,802 titled "Convertible, Belt/Clip-Fed Automatic Gun with Positive Shell Casing Ejection." British armorers receive an improved bipod lock for retrofit to the LSW. The new lock is to help prevent the accident release of the bipod legs from the folded position. Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receives US Patent #4,944,109 titled "Rifle." August: The ACR field trials end. FNMI receives an order for 20,000 M16A2. AMCCOM awards $8,400,000 and $1,441,000 contract modifications to FNMI for the M16A2. Colt and ARMS, Inc. sign a non-disclosure agreement relating to their improved flat-top rail design. Oddly, the final design does not match the dimensions of Swan's earlier rail designed for the Canadians. Colt's lawsuit against Daewoo and the South Korean Ministry of National Defense is settled. Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receives US Patent #4,949,493 titled

"Firearm." September: All US Army testing of the ACR candidates end. AMCCOM awards a $7,003,000 contract modification to FNMI for M249. Naval Weapons Support Center-Crane publishes its final report regarding Ultimax 100 testing. The British ITDU retests a shroud for the SA80's magazine catch and a bipod catch shroud for the LSW. AMCCOM awards a $3,850,000 contract to Okay Industries Inc. The ITDU also begins provisional assessment of a SCDRE modified sling for the SA80. October: AMCCOM awards a $139,000 contract modification to Colt related to the 1967 Licensing Agreement. The military specifications for M855 Ball, 5.56mm Heavy Bullet Reference cartridges, and the M857 Dummy Cartridge are validated. IMI's Adi Flashkes files an US patent application for the design of the IMI Negev. The British ITDU ends provisional assessment of a SCDRE modified sling for the SA80. November: AMCCOM awards a $172,000 delivery order to FN related to the M249. December: AMCCOM awards a $13,603,000 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. AMCCOM awards a $1,425,000 delivery order to FN related to the M249.

1991...
The US Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) publishes the internal report "Evaluation of the Operational Test of the Advanced Combat Rifle Concepts." Aberdeen's HEL publishes "HEL Evaluation of a ProductImproved (PIP) 200-round Magazine for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)." The Canadian government purchases nearly 65,000 ELCAN Wildcat scopes, which will be type-classified under the designation C79.

ADI-Lithgow begins licensed-production of the FN Minimi (F89) for the Australian military. Malaysia begins licensed production of the Steyr AUG. National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) and SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd are responsible for production. Production for the Spanish military of the CETME Model L and LC ends. Given ARDEC's Bursting Munitions Program revival of their earlier 30mm grenade experiments, Alliant Techsystems sponsors the Individual Grenade Launcher System (IGLS), a 10 round semi-auto launcher designed by Knox Engineering. January: AMCCOM awards $122,000 and $96,000 contracts, and a $58,000 contract modification to Colt related to the M16. AMCCOM awards a $31,000 contract modification to FNMI for M249. Belgian Prime Minister Wilfried Martens announced that the Belgian government would pay the bill for the US Military's order for 978 M249 from FN. Worth ~$2.6 million, the payment is intended as a gesture of support for the Allied forces involved in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi control. Burma receives the Czech-converted 5.56mm G3 along with technical documentation. The British Infantry Sales Demonstration Team (ISDT) tests the DateStyle Muzzle Stabiliser with the L1A1 SLR and the SA80 family. The device works as advertised in reducing group size during automatic fire. Oddly enough, it also appears to reduce the number of stoppages suffered by the SA80. AMCCOM awards a $2,021,000 contract modification to Okay Industries. AMCCOM awards a $4,141,000 contract modification to Center Industries. February: AMCCOM awards a $4,369,000 contract to Colt related to the M16. Czech technicians arrive in Rangoon to set up production facilities for the 5.56mm G3 conversions. March: AMCCOM awards a $5,034,000 delivery order to Colt related to the M16. AMCCOM awards a $8,065,000 contract modification to FNMI for 5,930 M249.

The US Army requests funding for the M4 carbine in its Fiscal Year 1992 budget. BAe/RO purchases HK. The British ITDU publishes the LANDSET report. The Land Systems Evaluation Team had interviewed soldiers from three Armoured Infantry battalions involved in combat during Operation Granby (Gulf War). The results were not favorable for the SA80 system. Troops lacked confidence in their rifles and most expected stoppages to occur as early as the first magazine. In a throwback to the dark days of 1967 and the XM16E1, some troops had even taped assembled cleaning rods to their rifles to use as ramrods for clearing cases jammed within the chamber. In addition, the tips of firing pins were prone to breakage (as were bayonets). Colt M16 magazines were preferred over Radway Green magazines. After the contents of the LANDSET report reach the press, it is officially dismissed as fake, then as unofficial, later as semi-official, and finally, as unscientific and not authoritative. The US Army issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) for modified NDI telescopes to be used with the M16 and M249. The scopes are to include laser eye protection, tritium illuminated reticles, and lens covers. The military specification for the M203 grenade launcher, MIL-L45935A, is amended for the third time. April: The military specification for the M16 and M16A1 rifles, MILR-45587A, is amended. The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R-63997B(AR), is amended for a second time. Colt's Paul G. Kennedy receives US Patent #5,010,676 titled "Hand guard for firearms." Olin's Stephen J. Bilsbury, William G. Dennis, Jr., and Stephen K. Kernosky receive US Patent #5,009,166 titled "Low Cost Penetrator Projectile." May: AMCCOM awards a $1,699,000 contract modification to FNMI for M249. AMCCOM awards a $134,000 contract modification to FN related to the M249. The military specification for M193 Ball, MIL-C-9963F, is amended. FN's Jean-Paul Denis and Marc Neuforge receive US Patent

#5,012,743 titled "High-Performance Projectile." AMCCOM awards a $215,000 contract modification to Center Industries. June: AMCCOM awards a $178,000 delivery order to Colt related to the M16. AMCCOM also awards a $927,000 contract modification related to the M16 and M203. AMCCOM awards a $37,000 contract to Canadian Commercial Corp. for RDT&E/Weapons Engineering Development related to the M16. The military specification for M197 Tracer, MIL-C-60111C, is amended for a second time. The British ITDU begins trials of a modified sling swivel for the LSW. HK's Raimund Fritz, Norbert Fluhr, and Berthold Weichert file an US patent application for the receiver design of the G11. July: Aberdeen's HEL publishes "Effects of Competition and Mode of Fire on Physiological Responses, Psychological Stress Reactions, and Shooting Performance." This research supported the Advanced Combat Rifle field test and the HEL's stress program by evaluating competition as a methodology for producing a known level of stress in soldiers. The subjects in this field experiment were volunteer infantrymen from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). During the 2 competition weeks, 10 soldiers from each division participated; during the control week, 20 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division served as subjects. The subjects fired M855 ball ammunition loaded into 30-round magazines from M16A2 rifles equipped with Naval Weapons Support Center-Crane No. 1 muzzle devices. Each subject fired two different target scenarios during the record-fire days, one scenario in semiautomatic mode and one in burst mode. Each scenario consisted of 36 target presentation events. Events involved presenting one, two, or three targets for 1.5, 3, or 5 seconds at 50, 100, 200, or 300 meters. The stress created by competition was assessed by comparing the psychological and physiological responses of the soldiers firing competitively with the responses of soldiers firing during noncompetitive, control conditions, and with the responses obtained from subjects in other stress protocols. The ARL conducts a limited durability and human factors evaluation for prototype 100 round belt boxes for the M249. Both hard pack and soft pack magazines are tested. Testing is cut short due to numerous shortcomings and deficiencies. The British ITDU ends trials of a modified sling swivel for the LSW. Picatinny issues a sources sought notice for research and development of a battlefield optical munition (BOM) concept,

designated "Perseus." The munition will be used in the M203 grenade launcher. August: AMCCOM awards a $125,000 delivery order to Colt related to the M16 for FMS. Mark Westrom, a civilian employee at Rock Island Arsenal, drafts a Joint Service Operational Requirement (JSOR) for a 5.56mm Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), an "especially accurate" 5.56mm Rifle for use in tactical situations and CMP competition. In an annex, Westrom also drafts the requirement for a Special Match 5.56mm cartridge for use with the proposed SPR. The military specification for the M200 Blank, MIL-C-60616C(AR), is amended. ARL personnel assist an ARDEC engineer in reevaluating the 100 round belt box designs for the M249. The goal is to determine the causes of the reported deficiencies. The findings lead to both types of magazines being redesigned. September: The US State Department grants Colt an export license to ship M16 to Indonesia. The military specification for M855 Ball, MIL-C-63989A(AR), is revised to MIL-C-63989B(AR). The military specification for M856 Tracer, MIL-C-63990B(AR), is amended. ELCAN delivers the first batch of C79 sights to the Canadian military. October: The GAO upholds Trijicon's protest of the Army's contract awards to Hughes Leitz Optical Technologies, Inc., Optic-Electronic Corporation, and S-Tron. The contract was for modified NDI telescopes to be used with the M16 and M249. Late: The ARL submits a recoil research proposal to JSSAP. The last known research on the effects of recoil on shooter performance dated back to the 1950s. JSSAP subsequently funds a two-year research program in support of their bursting munitions program. December: US Marine Corps Systems Command awards a $29,378 contract to Colt related to the M16. AMCCOM awards a $1,606,800 contract modification to FNMI for M249.

1992...
A Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) is initiated for a 5.56mm AP cartridge to be designated the M995. The desired cartridge,

produced by Bofors, uses a tungsten core projectile. The US Navy SEALs begin issue of the M16A2E3, an M16A2-style rifle with full automatic capability instead of 3 round burst. (Note: Later designated the M16A3, the Navy's rifle is not the same configuration as Colt's commercial "M16A3," which simply indicates a flat-top M16A2-type rifle.) Colt commercially introduces their flat-top receiver for rifles and carbines. These are commercially designated the M16A3 and M4A1 respectively. (However, these weapon's features should not be confused with those of the military type-classified weapons using the same designation.) Colt also unveils the "CQB Carbine", equipped with a single rail adapter system for the attachment of the M203, a breaching shotgun, or other accessories. Colt also introduces the M203H, a stand-alone adapter for the existing M203. Oman makes a FMS purchase of M16A2. The US Army awards a contract for 4,200 AN/PAQ-4C Infrared Aiming Light (IAL) Systems. ARMS, Inc. introduces the Swan Extended Rigid Frame Sleeve (SERFS) System, an early forerunner to their current Selective Integrated Rail (SIR) System. Diemaco receives a follow-on contract for the production of C7A1 upper receivers, along with a smaller number of complete weapons, for the Canadian military. The A1 configuration is flat-top variant intended for mounting the ELCAN C79 optic. The C79 is purchased in equal numbers for issue to Canadian forces. The British House of Commons forms a Defence Select Committee to investigate the poor performance history of the SA80. The British L1A2 Blank enters service. Colombia adopts the IMI Galil. The "Future Technology Conference" reorients from concentration on directed energy weapon applications to exploring Non-Lethal technologies. FN works to reduces the overall length of the 5.7x28mm cartridge. The purpose is to allow the cartridge to more easily fit into the grip of a handgun. During this process, FN creates the first prototypes of what will become the SS190. January: AMCCOM awards a $27,184,500 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2.

AMCCOM awards a $1,286,274 contract to FN related to the M249. AMCCOM deallocates $112,269 in a contract modification to La Belle Industries. February: AMCCOM awards $1,537,122 and $2,639,177 contracts to Colt related to the M16. AMCCOM awards a $128,749 contract modification to FNMI for M249. JSSAP publishes "Advanced Combat Rifle: Volume I, Program Summary." The Army awards a research contract for the Laser Countermeasure System (LCMS). The LCMS is intended to be a one-person portable, manually operated, shoulder-fired, battery-powered, system mounted onto an M16A2 rifle. The LCMS' primary objective is to detect, jam, and suppress threat fire control, optical, and electrooptical subsystems. March: Colt files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R-63997B(AR), is amended for a third time. AMCCOM awards a $199,024 contract modification to FNMI for M249. ARMS, Inc.'s Richard Swan files a patent application for the Swan Extended Rigid Frame Sleeve (SERFS) System. April: The US Army announces that the ACR trial candidates have all failed to provide the required 100 percent improvement over the M16A2. AMCCOM awards a $5,088,297 contract modification to FNMI for M249. Part of the order is for FMS. The US State Department grants an export license to Colt to ship M16 to Indonesia. British armorers receive an improved interceptor sear, improved take-down pins, and yet another improved safety plunger and spring for retrofit to the SA80. The previous interceptor sear could fail to release, and block the trigger from resetting. The earlier pins were prone to either falling out or being too difficult to remove, causing permanent damage to the lower receiver. The previous safety plunger, made of plastic, was prone to breakage. It would also swell when wet, causing the safety to jam in place.

The British ITDU begins trials of modified bipod feet for the LSW. HK's Helmut Weldle and Hubert Krieger file an US patent application for the ambidextrous cocking handle of the G36. The INSAS LMG completes user trials. May: AMCCOM deallocates $501,313 in a contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. The military specification for M197 High Pressure Test, MIL-C46936B(AR), is amended for a third time. The military specification for 5.56mm Reference cartridges, MIL-C46397C(AR), is amended for a second time. The military specification for the M857 Dummy Cartridge, MIL-C70468A(AR), is amended. Mission Research Corporation, on behalf of the Natick Soldier Center, publishes "Algorithm Development to Describe Flchette Retardation in Human Tissues." The British ITDU tests the effect of a stronger trigger return spring on the accuracy and consistency of the SA80. The ITDU ends trials of modified bipod feet for the LSW. They also test an improved retention system for the SA80 bayonet. The MNS for the SOPMOD kit is signed. June: The M16A2E3 rifle's military specification, MIL-R-71135(AR), is issued. The GAO upholds Trijicon's second protest of the Army's contract awards to Hughes Leitz Optical Technologies, Inc., Optic-Electronic Corporation, and S-Tron. The contract was for modified NDI telescopes to be used with the M16 and M249. IMI's Adi Flashkes receives US Patent #5,117,735 titled "Machine Gun with Belt and Magazine Feed." July: AMCCOM awards a $124,610 contract modification to FNMI for M249. The military specification for M862 Plastic Practice Ball, DOD-C70463(AR), is canceled. It is superseded by the military specification for M862 Short Range Training Ammunition (SRTA): MIL-C70725(AR). August: AMCCOM awards a $7,738,097 contract to FNMI for 19,387 M16A2. AMCCOM also awards an additional $36,090 related to the

M16. This is for FMS. AMCCOM awards a $113,464 contract modification to FNMI for M249. British armorers receive shake-proof washers for retrofit to the SA80's SUSAT. Windage zeroing screws were prone to losing their lock nuts, and then the SUSAT would be prone to lose its zero. September: AMCCOM awards a $478,833 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. AMCCOM awards $26,889, $71,427, $490,383, and $37,215 contract modifications to FNMI for M249. The military specification for M855 Ball, MIL-C-63989B(AR), is amended. British Army Colonel R.H. Forsyth, Project Manager Infantry Weapons, informs DateStyle that: "...we have no requirement for improved accuracy (for the SA80) as offered by your muzzle compensator." After the British MOD reconsiders its requirement for a higher capacity magazine for the SA80, Beta Co. submits an additional report and forwards six C-Mags for evaluation. October: Colt receives a contract for 8,624 M16A2E3 for the US Navy. AMCCOM awards a $3,596,208 contract to Colt related to the M16. The military specification for the M200A1 Blank, MIL-C-70724(AR), is published. British armorers receive an improved buttplate and a redesigned trigger for retrofit to the SA80. The new buttplate are reinforced with a steel strip to prevent the plates from being torn off of their mounting screws during use. The LSW version also has a redesigned shoulder support, with the pivot point lowered to allow for solid contact with the user's shoulder. The third model trigger has a Vshaped rear edge to prevent foreign material being trapped between the trigger and trigger guard, causing a failure to fire. (This was commonplace with the second model trigger.) November: The military specifications for the M16 and M16A1 rifles and M4 carbine are each amended. British armorers receive an improved magazine catch shroud for retrofit to the SA80. This model will be spot welded in place, instead of merely glued. HK's Raimund Fritz, Norbert Fluhr, and Berthold Weichert receive US

Patent #5,164,537 titled "Small Firearm with Receiver." December: The military specifications for the M16A2E3 rifle, MIL-R71135(AR), is amended. The British ITDU conducts trials comparing the accuracy of the LSW with and without a VAMS compensator installed.

1993...
The US Army Infantry Center (USAIC) publishes the fourth edition of the SAMP. The SAMP outlines objectives for a new family of infantry small arms. This translated into the following project name: Objective Family of Small Arms (OFSA). Requirements include the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), Objective Personal Defense Weapon (OPDW), and Objective Crew Served Weapon (OCSW). The OPDW is projected as a lightweight system (less than 1.5 pounds) with a 100 meter effective range, and capable of defeating body armor at 50 meters. There is also discussion of an Advanced Medium Machinegun (AMMG) requirement. The Modular Weapon System (MWS) program is introduced as a SEP. IMI begins development of the Tavor assault rifle. SIG introduces the SG551-1P (AKA: SG551 SWAT). CZ introduces the LADA family of 5.56mm and 5.45mm weapons. It is later renamed the CZ2000. India publicly introduces the INSAS rifle and LMG. The INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) has been in development since the mid-1980s. With a requirement for 48,000 new rifles, the Indian Army places an initial order of 7,000 INSAS rifles. None are delivered. The British ITDU publishes a summary of IW and LSW trials running from 1976 to 1993. The ITDU also conducts user trials of a cant limiter for the LSW bipod. NATO forms Sub-Group 1 under AC/225 Panel III. The Ad-Hoc PDW Working Group is tasked with determining whether FN's 5.7x28mm cartridge meets NATO's PDW criteria (D/296). Preliminary specifications are also drawn up for two types of PDW-class weapons: a pistol that weighs less that 1 kilogram (700 grams or less is desired) for engagements out to 50 meters, and a shoulderstocked weapon weighing less than 3 kilograms capable of engaging targets out to 150 meters. Each is desired to possess magazine capacities of no less than 20 rounds, with a higher capacity

considered as ideal for the larger weapon. FN replaces its existing SS90 plastic core projectile with the improved 31 grain SS190, which uses a dual core of steel and aluminum. While offering a large increase in performance against armored targets, this change reportedly required a redesign of the P90's magazine. January: The British ITDU begins user trials of the Beta C-Mag with the LSW. February: The ARL publishes "Flash Suppressor Comparisons and Analysis for the F89 and M249 Machine Guns." The Australian Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) reported a reduction in dispersion of 40 percent (single shot or burst) for the F89 light machine gun simply by changing the standard Minimi flash suppressor to a MAG58 flash suppressor. The reduction was first observed by the troops in the field and replicated by DSTO in the laboratory. This report documents a test conducted at ARL using a M249 SAW machine gun to verify DSTO's results. The ARL study failed to show a similar dispersion reduction. British armorers are instructed to remove material from the LSW bipod's feet due to interference with the bipod lock. Armorers are also instructed to reposition the cotter pin which secures the trigger rod to the trigger. It was possible for the pin to contact the safety catch and prevent the trigger from being pulled. FN's Canio Fortunato files an US patent application for a magazine design capable of feeding the long 5.7x28mm SS90 cartridge but narrow enough front to back to allow for a managable grip frame. Colt's William M. Sokol, David M. Camera, and Ronald E. Giddish file a patent application for the adapter design for the stand-alone M203H. March: The military specification for the M249 SAW, MILM70446(AR), is revised to MIL-M70446A(AR). AMCCOM awards a $40,689 contract modification to FNMI for M249. April: The military specification for M197 Tracer, MIL-C-60111C, is amended for a third time. The military specification for the M200 Blank, MIL-C-60616C(AR), is amended for a second time. The Human Research and Engineering Directorate (HRED) of the ARL conducts a durability and live firing exercise of the redesigned 100 round magazines and the latest product-improved 200 round magazine for the M249. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the durability of a reusable 100 round soft pack, a disposable 100

round hard pack, and a product-improved version of the disposable 200 round hard pack. The primary objectives are to determine if the magazines stay attached to the SAW during obstacle course maneuvers, if any of the magazines adversely affect the integrity of the linked munitions, and if the munitions in these magazines can be fed into and fired from the SAW after portability maneuvers. In addition, magazine removal and attachment trails are conducted to determine the ease with which the 100-round magazines can be removed from the ammunition carrying cases and attach to the SAW. The British ITDU ends user trials of the Beta C-Mag with the LSW. They discover persistent feeding problems with the final 15 rounds in the magazine. Beta Co. blames the British ammunition, which develops lower port pressures than US made cartridges loaded with ball powder. Without a change in ammunition, Beta Co. offers a special C-Mag variant, which holds only 86 rounds. (Author's note: I guess that would make it a LXXXVI-Mag instead.) May: AMCCOM awards $151,482 and deallocates $75,250 in contract modifications to FNMI for M16A2. AMCCOM awards a $8,608,611 contract to Colt for 18,597 M4 carbines. The Jamaica Defence Force adopts the L85A1 and FN Minimi. British armorers are instructed to remove material from the SA80's bolt face around the ejector's opening. This is to prevent brass build-up which could jam the ejector in place. HK's Helmut Weldle and Hubert Krieger receive US Patent #5,214,233 titled "Cocking and Loading Device for Self-Loading Small Firearms." FN's Jean-Louis Gathoye files an US patent application for a delayed blowback system intended for a pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. June: The M4 carbine enters the Pre-Production Engineering Phase. The British Commons Defence Select Committee releases the report on their investigation of the poor performance history of the SA80. July: The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R63997B(AR), is amended for a fourth time. August: JSSAP issues a RFP for the OICW. The OICW will include ammunition, fire-control, and weapon technologies capable of firing high-explosive and conventional projectiles. The RFP states that "substantial improvements in performance can be obtained in an individual weapon using an airburst concept." The OICW should be capable of hitting point targets at 500m 90 percent of the time, and

area targets at 1000m 50 percent of the time. The government will fully fund three project stages, but will only fund one stage at a time. The first six month phase will involve concept design. The twelve-month second phase will include "breadboard" subsystem tests and overall design refinement. The twelve-month third phase will result in fabrication of a complete, demonstration-ready "brassboard" prototype weapon. ARDEC publishes the report "Trigger Pull Testing M16A2 Rifle and M4 Carbine." Using the current procedures of MIL-R-63997 for M16A2 Rifles, 22 percent of random trigger pulls taken failed the requirement of 5.5 - 9.5 pounds. Based upon an acceptable failure rate of 1 percent, trigger pull shall be taken three consecutive times with a requirement of 5.5 to 11.0 pounds. Using the current procedures of MIL-C-70599 for M4 Carbines, 65 percent of random trigger pulls taken failed the requirement of 5.5 - 9.5 pounds. Based upon a acceptable failure rate of 1 percent, trigger pull shall be taken three consecutive times with a requirement of 6.5 - 12.3 pounds. President Clinton signs Executive Order #12856. The goal is to insure that all Federal agencies, including the DOD, conduct their facility management and acquisition activities so that, to the maximum extent practicable, the quantity of toxic chemicals entering the environment is reduced as expeditiously as possible through source reduction. Moreover, they should help encourage markets for clean technologies and safe alternatives to extremely hazardous substances or toxic chemicals through revisions to specifications and standards, the acquisition and procurement process, and the testing of innovative pollution prevention technologies at Federal facilities or in acquisitions. This kicks off DOD activity in replacing lead and other toxic metals in ammunition. Colt's William M. Sokol, David M. Camera, and Ronald E. Giddish receive US Patent #5,235,771 tiled "Hand Held Grenade Launcher." September: AMCCOM awards a $45,312 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. AMCCOM awards a $11,099,810 contract to FNMI for 4,644 M249. AMCCOM also awards a $52,778 contract modification for M249. Germany issues new technical and tactical requirements for a 5.56mm rifle. The ORD for the SOPMOD kit is validated. (The ORD will be amended four times leading up to 1999.) The US Army publishes "Operator's and Unit Maintenance Manual, Light, Aiming, Infrared AN/PAQ-4B." October: AMCCOM awards a $85,376 contract to FNMI related to

the M249. British armorers receive an improved wire cutter to retrofit to the SA80's bayonet scabbard. November: AMCCOM awards a $88,043 contract modification to FNMI for M249. British armorers receive an improved bipod axis screw for retrofit to the LSW. The original screw was prone to loosen and allow the bipod to fall off of the weapon. December: The Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army for Operations and Plans, Force Development approves the OICW Mission Need Statement (MNS). The military specification for M862 Short Range Training Ammunition (SRTA), MIL-C-70725(AR), is revised to MIL-C70725A(AR).

1994...
The US military finally accepts an improved buffer assembly for the M4/M4A1 originally recommended during the carbine's initial development. Previously, the military did not want to introduce a new part different from that used by previous Colt carbines in inventory. The USMC approves "Operational Requirements Document 1.14." This document repaves the long and twisting path for the eventual adoption of the M4A1 Carbine by Force Recon and other units with need of a CQB weapon more capable than the current pistol-caliber SMG (HK MP5N). Colt receives an order from the UAE for 5,200 M16A2 rifles and 2,500 M4 carbines. KAC produces a very small quantity of cropped M4A1 variants, dubbed the M4A1K, for use by USSOCOM helicopter aircrews. (By early 1997, less than two dozen have been produced.) IMI introduces the Galil Micro (AKA: Galil MAR). The South Africans introduce a similar variant as the R6 along with a 5.56x45mm conversion for their SS77 GPMG. IMI provides technical assistance to Colombia's INDUMIL for limited production of the Galil. GIAT introduces the product improved FAMAS G2. Intended primarily for export sales, the G2 variant offers a STANAG 4179 mag well along with other modifications. (A transition model, the G1, did not possess the STANAG mag well.)

FN introduces the Minimi Mk2, which roughly parallels the improvements from the US M249 (PIP). On the 5.7x28mm PDW front, FN begins to release new details of their long-awaited 5.7x28mm pistol. At the 1994 ADPA Small Arms Systems Division's annual conference, Chinese representatives from the PLA's Changping Research Institute confirm the development of a 5.8x42mm weapon family. RO produces a new SA80 carbine, longer than the 1988 model. The new carbine uses an unmodified LSW forearm. The US Army Cold Regions Test Center conducts arctic testing on the M249 collapsible buttstock. The British ITDU conducts trials concerning a bayonet catch, a modified bayonet, pintle mounts for the LSW, and additional user assessments of the Beta C-Mag. January: Acceptance trials for the M249 PIP are complete. The military specification for the M4 carbine is revised to MIL-C70599A(AR). The M4A1 carbine's military specification, MIL-C-71186(AR), is issued. The Australian Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) publishes "Experiments to Determine the Effects of Different Flash Suppressor Designs on Accuracy of an F89 Light Machine Gun." Tests were performed to determine the accuracy of a F89 LMG having barrels fitted with and without flash suppressors. It was observed that the addition of a flash suppressor from a FN MAG58 machine gun could reduce the size of mean radius dispersion by as much as 41 percent over an original FN Minimi flash suppressor and 35 percent over none being fitted. It appears that when using standard taper-ended Minimi barrels, 19 percent of this improvement can be attributed directly to the mass of the MAG58 flash suppressor. However, this mass had no apparent effect on accuracy when using heavier F89 barrels. It is concluded that gas dynamic effects due to flash suppressor design may have a significant role in weapon accuracy and merit further study. February: AMCCOM awards a $1,000,000 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. On behalf of USSOCOM, AMCCOM awards Colt a $2,640,749 contract for the production of ~6,000 M4A1. The military specification for M193 Ball, MIL-C-9963F, is amended for a second time.

The military specification for M197 Tracer, MIL-C-60111C, is amended for a fourth time. The military specification for M855 Ball, MIL-C-63989B(AR), is revised to MIL-C-63989C(AR). The military specification for M856 Tracer, MIL-C-63990B(AR), is revised to MIL-C-63990C(AR). March: AMCCOM deallocates $47,264 in a contract modification to FNMI for M249. The Dutch military adopts the Diemaco C7/C8 family, with an initial contract for 52,285 weapons worth DFL 96.4 million (US $51 million). C7A1 are procured for the Army and Marine combat units, C7 for support troops, C8 Carbines for the Air Force and Military Police, C8A1 for Special Forces, and C7A1 LSW (Light Support Weapon) for the Marines. The Marines will receive 4,750 C7A1 rifles and 535 C7A1 LSW. The Army will receive 33,500 weapons, the Air Force 12,000, and the Military Police 1,500. HK's Helmut Weldle files an US patent application for the upper receiver design of the G36. HK's Ernst Mauch and Manfred Guhring file an US patent application for the G36's upper receiver gas relief ports. These are intended to help prevent damage and/or injury if a case failure were to occur. April: AMCCOM issues a solicitation for additional M4 carbines. AMCCOM awards a $411,124 contract modification to FNMI for M249. British armorers receive an improved flash eliminator spring for retrofit to the SA80. The new spring is to help prevent the bayonet or a rifle grenade from falling off of the muzzle. June: AMCCOM awards a $30,616 contract modification to FNMI for M16A2. AMCCOM awards a $722,250 contract to FNMI related to the M249. The OICW Phase 1 design study begins with three competing teams led by AAI, ATK, and Olin. AAI's team includes: Dyna East (Warhead development) Dynamit Nobel Hughes Aircraft (Fire control and Training) Mason & Hanger

ATK's team includes: Contraves (Fire control) Dynamit Nobel HK Olin teams solely with FN. The ARL publishes "Durability Evaluation and Live Firing Exercise for Two 100-Round Assault Packs and a ProductImproved 200-Round Magazine for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)." The findings are fairly positive for the 100 round soft pack vis--vis the other two designs. The 100 round soft pack was more likely to remain attached to the SAW, and was less likely to damage the dovetail rail assembly. The soft pack was also more easily removed and attached to the weapon than even the 100 round hard pack. However, there were problems with misaligned rounds in the soft pack, causing failures to feed. The 100 round hard pack fell off in 10 of the 100 trials and suffered 11 critical failures during testing. The 200 round hard pack was found to be much less reliable than the version tested in 1991, suffering 36 percent failures and 15 percent critical failures during the trials. This contrasted to 6 percent and 3 percent respectively in 1991. The difference is blamed on a change in the plastic used to construct the hard pack. Summer: Field testing of the AN/PLQ-5 LCMS results in negative comments about the system's overall weight of 42 pounds. July: AMCCOM awards a $8,256,003 contract to Colt for ~18,000 M4 carbines. AMCCOM also awards a $153,102 contract modification related to the M4 carbine. AMCCOM awards a $12,849,530 contract to FNMI for 5,844 M249. August: AMCCOM awards a $369,600 contract to Colt related to the M16. The US Army officially adopts the M4 and M4A1 Carbines. Only the first lot of M4 will be delivered with fixed carrying handles. Afterwards, all M4/M4A1 in inventory will be shipped with flat-top upper receivers. AMCCOM awards a $58,769 contract modification to FNMI for M249. The military specification for M856 Tracer, MIL-C-63990C(AR), is amended. Australian Defence Minister Senator Robert Ray announces the possible sale of ADI-made AUG to Indonesia. After public criticism, the government claims that is merely donating 20 rifles for evaluation.

September: Colt exists Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with its sale to Zilkha & Company. ARDEC publishes "External Barrel and Handguard Temperature of the 5.56mm M4 Carbine." This test report examines the external barrel temperature of the 5.56mm M4-series carbines as a function of time and as a function of longitudinal location on the barrel. It also compares the effects of the handguard on barrel temperature and measures the temperature of the M4 Carbine handguard external surface and internal liners. The military specifications for the M4 and M4A1 carbines, M16A2E3, and M16 and M16A1 rifles are each amended. ARDEC, the US Navy, and USAF form an initial tri-service working group to identify needs and goals for each service regarding the "green ammunition" initiative. ARMS, Inc.'s Richard Swan receives US Patent #5,343,650 titled "Extended Rigid Frame Receiver Sleeve." FN's Jean-Louis Gathoye receives US Patent #5,347,912 titled "Elements for Decelerating the Recoil of the Moving Parts of a Fire Arm." October: AMCCOM is disestablished. The armament and chemical defense functions of AMCCOM become the Armaments and Chemical Acquisition and Logistics Activity (ACALA). The Tank-Automotive Command takes operational control of ACALA, ARDEC, and the Belvoir Research, Development and Engineering Center (BRDEC). As a result of the added responsibilities, Tank-Automotive Command is redesignated the Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM). The military specification for the M231 FPW, MIL-S-63348A(AR), is amended for the fourth time. December: The OICW Phase 1 design study is completed. The teams headed by AAI and ATK are chosen to proceed to Phase 2, the system design and critical subsystem technology demonstration stage. Congress is notified of the government's intent to transfer 200 M16A2 to Belize at no cost as Excess Defense Articles. Congress is notified of the government's intent to transfer 4,562 M16A1 to Uruguay at no cost as Excess Defense Articles. FNMI contracts with Richard Baker to develop a modular rail system based on ideas from FNMI engineer Aurelius A. Mooney.

(Next: 5.56mm 1995-1999) by Daniel E. Watters, Small Arms Historian

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