the 5.56 x 45mm - 1986 - 1989 - a chronology of development (part 10) - by daniel watters

8/13/2019 The 5.56 x 45mm - 1986 - 1989 - A Chronology of Development (Part 10) - By Daniel Watters

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The Gunperson's Authoritative Internet Information Resource.

Part Ten...

The 5.56 X 45mm: 1986-1989

A Chronology of Development by Daniel Watters

1986...

The HEL conducts soldier-machine interface design studies on theEnhanced M16A2.

Picatinny conducts new trials for alternative case material blanks.Candidates include the aluminum XM941 by Omark and plasticcased variants from Action Manufacturing and Winchester. After ayear of testing, none are adopted.

The USAIS publishes the paper "Small Arms Strategy 2000" (SAS2000). Despite the ACR program's current push for caseless, duplex,and flchette ammunition, SAS-2000 proposes that the infantry riflehas already reached its technological peak. The only way to increasethe hit/kill probability of the infantryman will be to introduceindividual weapons that fire explosive/fragmentation warheads. A

family of three weapons is proposed: an advanced personal defenseweapon (90 percent hit probability at 25 meters), an advancedindividual combat weapon, and an advanced crew-served weapon.Admittedly, this is less of a stretch than the "Future Alternatives

Assessment" which indicates a need to investigate the applicationof directed energy (DE) and electromagnetic (EM) technology forindividual weapons.

The UK purchases 400 M16A1 for Belize troops.

North Yemen acquires six M16A2 for evaluation.

New Zealand adopts the Steyr AUG, intending to purchaseAustralian production rifles.

FAMAE of Chile begins licensed production of the SIG SG540 andSG543.

SIG introduces the SG551 carbine.

FFV begins licensed production of the FN FNC (Ak5).

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5.56mm 'Prologue'

5.56mm 1957-1962

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5.56mm 1980-1985

5.56mm 1986-1989

5.56mm 1990-1994

5.56mm 1995-1999

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5.56mm 2004

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5.56mm 2008

5.56mm 2009

5.56mm Propellant

5.56mm FAQ - v1.14

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Flchette / SPIW

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T G Z B l o g

Daniel Watters' suggested
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2/28

ARES introduces the LMG-1 (AKA: the Stoner 86) as a potentialsales competitor to the M249 SAW.

Production of the CETME Model L rifle and Model LC carbine begins.

Panama receives Type 65 rifles from Taiwan.

The USAIB conducts testing of the XM9 Multipurpose BayonetSystem.

Winter: British Royal Marines training in Norway experience avariety of problems with the L85A1 during troop trials. Besidesfunctioning issues, at least one L85A1 discharges when dropped.The rifles are recalled to replace the trigger and trigger spring. Therecall/upgrade spans roughly three months.

January: Colt employees go on strike. The previous union contracthad run out 10 months earlier. The strike ultimately lasts more thanfour years.

AMCCOM awards $188,000 and $863,000 contracts to Colt relatedto the M16.

AMCCOM awards a $753,000 delivery order to FN related to M249RDT&E. AMCCOM also deallocates $232,000 in a contractmodification related to the M249.

February: The ARDC files an industry-wide solicitation for ACRcandidate submissions.

Colt delivers 40 XM4 carbines to Picatinny. The carbines are not yetequipped with the double heat shield handguards.

The Mellonics Systems Development Division based at Fort Benningpublishes "Analysis of M16A2 Rifle Characteristics andRecommended Improvements." It is in many ways a rehash oftheir December 1982 "Memorandum of Understanding." Thecharacteristics of the M16A2 rifle developed by the Marine Corpswere analyzed to determine what impact the new rifle's featureswould have on Army marksmanship training and on combateffectiveness. It was found that use of the M16A2 rifle by the USArmy would be extremely problematic, due in part to the vast

differences between the marksmanship training philosophies of theArmy and the Marine Corps. Numerous recommendations arepresented, which could result in simplified training and improvedcombat performance if adopted.

AMCCOM awards a $95,000 contract to FN Manufacturing, Inc.(FNMI) related to the M16. (FNMI is FN's facility located in Columbia,SC. It was created to support production of the 7.62mm M240(MAG58) for use with the M1 Abrams tank.)

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 Daniel...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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3/28

March: The US Army announces their first major order for theM16A2, totaling 100,176 rifles.

AMCCOM awards a $47,859,000 contract modification to Colt relatedto the M16.

Loren Brunton files another patent application for the design of theM16A2 upper receiver, which incorporates an improved casedeflector.

AMCCOM awards a $2,314,000 delivery order to FN related to M249RDT&E.

Picatinny's ARDC is renamed the Armament Research, Development,and Engineering Center (ARDEC).

Pier G. Beretta files an US patent application for the lockworkmechanism of the AR70/90.

AMCCOM awards $1,359,000 and $3,158,000 contracts to FNMIrelated to the M16.

AMCCOM awards a $9,240,000 contract to Okay Industries Inc.

The US Army issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) for M249 beltboxes. This includes 216,731 for combat use and 107,686 fortraining.

April: AMCCOM awards a $997,000 contract to Colt related to theM16. AMCCOM also deallocates $55,000 from a delivery orderrelated to the M16 and M203.

TECOM starts the XM4 Carbine program with a direct entry intoDevelopment Test / Operational Test II. The USMC FirepowerDivision, under the leadership of MAJ Jack Muth, later acquiresseven XM4 from the Army. Marines from the Foreign MaterielAcquisition and Exploitation unit assist in testing. The testing is withthe goal of issuing the XM4 to the USMC's Special OperationsCapable (SOC) units then under development. The only compactshoulder weapons authorized for use by Force Recon to this pointhas been the M3A1 SMG (bolstered by very unofficial use ofXM177E2). Originally, the Colt Commando was considered to be an

acceptable replacement by the USMC Development Center, butcertain parties demanded that any potential replacement accept themounting of a bayonet. This is possible with the XM4.

Picatinny awards a $33,000 contract modification to Colt for theXM4.

Colt makes delivery of double heat shield handguards for the XM4under evaluation.


4/28

AMCCOM fields a Request for Deviation on the M16A1.

AMCCOM awards a $2,400,000 delivery order to FN related to theM249.

The military specification for M856 Tracer, MIL-C-63990A(AR), isrevised to MIL-C-63990B(AR).

Picatinny awards $900,000 and $1,000,000 contract modifications toHK for ACR RDT&E.

Pier G. Beretta files an US patent application for the detachablecarry handle/rear sight for the AR70/90 family.

The BRL publishes "Candidate Muzzle Devices for the ImprovedM16." Among the devices tested are the muzzle brakes of the AK-74 and AKS-74U.

May: AMCCOM awards $183,000 and $125,000 contract

modifications to Colt related to the M16 for FMS.

AMCCOM awards a $6,520,000 delivery order to FN related to M249RDT&E. AMCCOM also awards a $727,000 contract modificationrelated to M249 RDT&E.

Firing trials restart for Phase C of British Ordnance Board Trials.

HK's Horst Jakubaschk and Erich Weisser receiveUS Patent#4,587,756 titled "Magazine for a Small Arm."

AMCCOM awards a $666,000 contract modification to ParsonsPrecision Products.

AMCCOM deallocates $611,000 in a contract modification to SanchezEnterprises Inc. The contract has been terminated for default. Thenext day, AMCCOM awards a new $27,000 contract to SanchezEnterprises.

June: AMCCOM awards a $5,169,000 contract modification to Coltrelated to the M16. AMCCOM also awards $704,000 and $276,000delivery orders related to the M16 and M203. The second order is forFMS.

AMCCOM awards a $44,000 contract modification to FN related toM249 RDT&E.

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files an US patent application for a foldingcocking handle for the Steyr AUG.

AMCCOM awards a $25,000 contract to Cooper Industries Inc.

Summer: Diemaco's Phil O'Dell and Ian Andersen visit Colt to
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5/28

examine a Henry Tatro-designed M16-LMG. Diemaco has beenconsidering the possibility of producing the design in a joint effort.They eventually decide to do so.

Naval Weapons Support Center-Crane's Weapons Department issuesa safety statement for the Ultimax 100. This clears the way foroperational testing by the SEALs.

July: The AMSAA publishes "A Limited Evaluation of the Burst-Fire Performance of the M16A1 Rifle With AK-74 MuzzleBrake Compensator."

An Interim Report of SA80 troop trials is published.

The British discontinue work with the Saco .22 LR adaptor for theSA80.

Ketron, Inc., under contract to the BRL, submits "PersonnelDegradation: Wounding by Flechettes."

August: Loren Brunton receivesUS Patent #D285,236 titled "RifleReceiver."

Picatinny awards a $300,000 contract modification to HK for ACRRDT&E.

US Army receives proposals for the M249 belt box solicitation. Fourdays later, the contract officer for the RFP is notified that productionof belted 5.56mm NATO ammo is in danger of being stopped at LakeCity. Lake City lacks sufficient belt boxes to pack the ammunition. Inresponse, the contract officer awards the belt box contract to ProllMolding Co. as it already has experience in producing the item.

FN begins work on what is to be become their P90 PDW. Initialdevelopment of the companion 5.7x28mm cartridge starts with theloading of the polymer core SS90 projectile in various commercialcartridges such as the .22 Hornet and the .30 Carbine. The latter isreportedly used unmodified with sabots and in a necked-downformat.

September: ACR Phase I contracts are awarded to AAI, ARES, Colt,HK, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company (MDHC), and Steyr.

Picatinny awards $798,000 to ARES, $452,000 to Steyr, $598,000 toAAI, and $828,000 to MDHC for ACR RDT&E.

AMCCOM awards $980,000 and $115,000 delivery orders to Coltrelated to the M16 for FMS.

AMCCOM awards a $6,235,000 contract modification to FN related tothe M249. Part of the order is for FMS.

Aberdeen awards a $208,000 contract to Colt related to the M249.
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6/28

Naval Weapons Support Center-Crane publishes "Final Report for

Joint Services Small Arms Program 6.2: M16A2 RifleSignature Suppression Project."

The US Army adopts the Dynamit Nobel (DAG) M862 Plastic TrainingAmmunition along with the required M2 Practice Bolt for the M16A2.

AMCCOM deallocates $50,000 in a contract modification to ParsonsPrecision Products.

Daylight Plastics, Inc. files a GAO protest over the US Army's awardto Proll Molding Co. for M249 belt boxes. Daylight Plastics haslearned that Proll Molding's quoted prices were significantly higherthan its own. In response, the Army cancels Proll Molding's contract.However, the Army then issues a sole source solicitation and awardto Proll Molding for the same items. The Army justifies the solesource solicitation and award on the account of the urgent need tomake deliveries of belt boxes to Lake City by November 30.

Fall: The US Government announces its intent to supply 300reconditioned M16A1 to Papua New Guinea.

The Canadians begin development of a flat-top C7.

October: Olin's Randall G. Habbe receivesUS Patent #4,619,203titled "Armor Piercing Small Caliber Projectile."

AMCCOM awards a $3,103,000 contract to La Belle Industries Inc.

Phobris is awarded a contract for the new M9 Bayonet. (Productionis licensed to Buck Knives.)

Daylight Plastics, Inc. files a GAO protest over the US Army'sSeptember sole-source award to Proll Molding Co. for M249 beltboxes and the cancellation of the original solicitation. DaylightPlastics alleges that a shortfall of M249 belt boxes will not beexperienced, if at all, until March 1987 and not November 1986 asthe Army had suggested. Two days later, the GAO denies DaylightPlastics's protest of the US Army's August award to Proll Molding.The GAO justifies this since the original contract being protested wascanceled.

The British ITDU evaluates the HK .22 LR adaptor for the SA80.

Pier G. Beretta receivesUS Patent #4,615,134 titled "RetainingMechanism for Rifle Magazines."

The Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciencespublishes the report "Development of a Stadiametric RangingDevice for the M203 Grenade Launcher." A prototypestadiametric ranging device that used hole sizes scaled to each of 10
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7/28

man-sized targets located between 50 and 350m from the firer.Range estimates with the unaided eye typically overestimated therange, while those using the devices typically underestimated. Themagnitude of range estimation errors was smaller and less variablewhen the devices were used as opposed to the unaided eye.

November: US Army frontline units receive their first M16A2.

FN has delivered only 11,628 M249 belt boxes of the 48,000 dueunder its current contract with the US Army. Further delays areanticipated due to a labor strike at FN.

The British ITDU conducts endurance and reliability trials of SA80.22 LR adaptors.

December: The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R-63997A(AR), is revised to MIL-R-63997B(AR).

AMCCOM awards a $1,047,000 contract modification to Colt related

to the M16.

Diemaco conducts a function and tolerance study of the M16-LMG'sfiring mechanism. Colt has sent one of their prototypes forreference.

Picatinny awards a $503,000 contract modification to Colt for ACRRDT&E.

AMCCOM awards a $137,000 delivery order to FN related to theM249.

AMCCOM awards a $6,490,000 contract to FNMI related to the M16.

1987...

The US Army Cold Regions Test Center conducts arctic testing onthe M249.

Abu Dhabi (UAE) orders 20,000 Colt Model 727.

The Daewoo K2 enters service with the South Korean Army.

News of Chinese SCHV cartridge research is leaked to the Westthrough interviews with Soldier of Fortunemagazine. While atleast 50 cartridge configurations have been examined, ranging from5.2 to 6.2mm, a 5.8x42mm cartridge is reported to be the earlyfavorite. No further details are given concerning the ammunition orhost weapons. (More recent sources indicate that the 5.8x42mmwas chosen as early as 1979, and that the cartridge completed itsfinal development in 1987.)

HK announces development of a LMG variant of their G11 rifle. Like


8/28

the parent rifle, the LMG will be chambered for the 4.7x33mm DM11caseless cartridge.

The British approve an improved version of L2A1 Ball as theCartridge, Ball, L2A2.

The SADF adopts the R5 carbine.

Ecuador receives delivery of Steyr AUG.

VEB Kombinat Spezialtechnik Dresden and IMES give developmentorder to SW&H for creation of a MPiKMS-74 variant in 5.56mm Thisis in response to India's desire for a 5.56mm Kalashnikov-type rifle.The resulting rifles are named the Wieger, and testing begins withinthe year. Problems are subsequently found in the chrome plating ofthe barrels.

The British MOD expresses interest in the Beta C-Mag for use withthe SA80.

R/M Equipment Company introduces the M203PI (ProductImproved), which allows the grenade launcher to be fitted to a widervariety of weapons. (The M203PI's design is alternately credited to

Joseph C. Kurak and Bernard White, the designer of the DesertEagle pistol.)

January: AMCCOM awards a $120,000 contract modification to Coltrelated to the M16. AMCCOM also awards a $150,000 contractmodification to Colt for FMS.

Picatinny awards a $50,000 contract modification to AAI for ACRcaseless ammunition RDT&E.

Picatinny awards a $37,000 contract modification to Steyr for ACRRDT&E.

The final report from the SA80 troop trials is published. The resultsare not positive; the pages are filled with a litany of parts failures.

The British ITDU evaluates the SAWES Projector for the SA80. TheSAWES unit is a laser training system, the British equivalent toMILES.

February: Colt begins working with a FATS simulator to testdifferent sighting systems for their ACR.

The Full Acceptance Meeting for the SA80 is postponed from July1987 until October 1987.


March: ACR Phase II contracts are awarded to AAI, Colt, HK, and


9/28

Steyr. ARES and MDHC appeal the decision. Picatinny ultimatelyawards a $300,000 contract modification to Colt, a $166,000contract modification to Steyr, a $171,000 contract modification toAAI, a $198,000 contract modification to ARES, and a $138,000contract modification to MDHC for ACR RDT&E.

Colt conducts live-fire testing with the ACR to confirm the FATStesting results from the previous month.

FN delivers the TDP for an improved M249.

Diemaco completes development of the M16-LMG.

Picatinny is officially redesignated as an Arsenal.

Royal Ordnance wins the second MOD contract for production of150,000 additional L85/L86-weapons.

The British ITDU has a busy month. They investigate the effect on

zero of different firing positions with the LSW. In addition, theyevaluate an articulated recoil rod assembly for the SA80.

The GAO denies Daylight Plastics, Inc.'s protest of the US Army'sSeptember 1986 sole source award to Proll Molding Co. for M249belt boxes.

Phrobis III's Charles A. Finn files a patent application for the designof the M9 Bayonet.

The ITDU also investigates zero retention of the SUSAT when inmounted in different positions, and it runs endurance trials of the.22 LR adaptors' plastic parts.

April: The XM4 carbine's military specification, MIL-C-70599(AR), isissued. The USMC is the first to standardize the XM4. A proposal hasbeen put forward that the XM4 replace all of the pistols in the MarineInfantry Battalions as well as being used by Force Recon, ANGLICO,and others. Unfortunately, procurement funds for the Marines'carbines are killed during Congressional review for four consecutiveyears in a row. Afterwards, the USMC Comptroller refuses to allowthe XM4's inclusion in the small arms budget, and the matter isdropped until the Army ultimately adopts the weapon. In the mean

time, the M3A1 are replaced by HK MP5N received from the USNavy.


The House Committee on Armed Services requests that the GAOreview South Korea's compliance with its Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) with the United States on coproducing theM16 rifle.


10/28

The design of the M16-LMG is frozen at Colt to allow Diemaco toproduce 12 pre-production units. These prototypes are sent to Coltfor further testing during the summer.

Aberdeen's BRL publishes the report "Dynamic Tests of the 30-Round Magazine for the M16A1 While Firing from the M231Firing Port Weapon." Time displacement records of the magazinespring for the M16A1, while firing from the Firing Port Weapon, wereobtained to determine if excessive spring surge was causing astoppage problem during testing at Aberdeen. Results of the testsshow there was no excessive magazine spring surge in the 30-roundmagazine for the M16A1 when firing from the M231 Firing PortWeapon. The results show the stoppage problem was caused byfaulty magazines.

ARDEC's Close Combat Armaments Center publishes the report"Caliber .22 Rimfire Blank System for M16 Rifles." This studysuccessfully demonstrates the use of a .22 caliber rimfire blank

system as a substitute for the standard 5.56mm M200 blankcartridge in the M16 rifles. Compatibility of the prototype rimfireblank system in the M16 rifles was firmly established and thepossibility of a substantial cost savings realized. Further efforts torefine the configuration for competitive procurement and fielding willbe performed.

British Aerospace (BAe) purchases Royal Ordnance (RO). The BritishMOD allows BAe to reconsider the recent L85/L86 contract.

The British ITDU test a bipod retaining clip for the LSW in anattempt to solve ongoing problems with the bipod swinging loose atinappropriate times.

AMCCOM awards a $2,270,000 contract modification to FNMI relatedto the M16.

The GAO denies Daylight Plastics, Inc.'s appeal of the GAO's decisionof the previous month.

L. James Sullivan, on behalf of Beta Co., receivesUS Patent#4,658,700 titled "Drum Magazine."

May: The military specification for M862 Plastic Practice Ball, DOD-C-70463(AR), is amended.

Colt's Henry Tatro receivesUS Patent #4,663,875 titled "RifleHandguard Assembly Having Outer Shell with Outer and InnerLiners."

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11/28


Picatinny awards a $387,000 contract modification to AAI for ACRRDT&E.

AMSAA publishes "An Evaluation of the Soviet 5.45 X 45 MM,AK-74 Rifle and Type PS Ball Cartridge."

Pier G. Beretta receivesUS Patent #4,663,878 titled "RemovableHandle with Auxiliary Sights for Transporting Automatic Rifles."

The British ITDU investigates SA80 zero distribution and reassessesthe need for a left-hand SA80 family.

In addition, the ITDU conducts compatibility trials of the SAWESProjector with the SA80 during full-automatic fire, and tests .22 LRadaptors with tracers.

Joseph C. Kurak, on behalf of R/M Equipment, files a patentapplication for the mounting system design of the M203PI.

June: Aberdeen's BRL publishes "Kinematic Analysis of the M231Firing Port Weapon." The firing characteristics of a new M231Firing Port Weapon were checked while firing M196 ammunitionloaded with ball and IMR type propellants. Measurements of muzzlevelocity and rate of fire were made during these tests. The averagemuzzle velocity for the M196 ammunition loaded with ball and IMRtype propellants is about 914 m/s. The average rate of fire for theM196 ammunition loaded with ball propellant is about 1255 rds/minwhich is about 50 rds/min higher than the average rate of fire forthe M196 ammunition with IMR type propellant. A completekinematic study was also made on a new lubricated weapon whilefiring M196 ammunition loaded with ball and IMR type propellants.Displacement versus time of the bolt carrier and the striker weremeasured using electro-optical displacement followers, Optrons,during firing of the test rounds. Pressure versus time in the boltcavity was measured using a Kistler 601H Pressure Gage duringfiring of the test rounds.

The British ITDU evaluates a modified magazine release catch forthe SA80.

The military specification for the M203 grenade launcher, MIL-L-45935A, is amended for the second time.

July: AMCCOM awards a $248,000 delivery order to FN related toM249 RDT&E. AMCCOM also deallocates $537,000 in a contractmodification related to M249 RDT&E.

The military specification for 5.56mm Reference cartridges, MIL-C-46397C(AR), is amended.
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12/28

The Canadians seal the dimensions for their flat-top receiver raildesign. Richard Swan of ARMS, Inc. has been consulted in this

process.

Phase C of British Ordnance Board Trials ends for the IW/LSW. Theperformance is worse yet than the Phase B results. The IW turns in69 MRBS and the LSW fails yet again to 48 MRBS. Still, the creativeaccounting continues unabated. With only the most severestoppages/failures counted during the endurance phase alone, theIW posts a 28,442 MRBF. Under the same method, the LSWachieves 8,422 MRBF, finally surpassing the GSR 3518 requirement.However, this was helped along by the proposed issue of spare boltsand firing pins. While never actually issued, these parts would allowcertain "critical" failures to be downgraded (and thus not counted)as the shooter would theoretically be able repair the weapon in thefield.

Gene Stoner files a patent application for a telescoped cartridge

similar in design to that used in ARES' AIWS.

HK's Rudolf Brandl and Heinz Matt receiveUS Patent #4,681,019titled "Magazine for Automatic Weapons."

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files an US patent application for an earlyvariation of telescoped cartridge design used by the Steyr ACR's SCFcartridge.

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files an US patent application for the designof the Steyr ACR.

August: In a letter to Secretary of DefenseCaspar W. Weinberger,Rep. Richard H. Baker(R-LA) alleges that DOD investigators havebeen warned of the possibility of serious defects in the M16A2, failedto inform the Army about such concerns, and did not conduct anyindependent tests of the rifles. In response, an Army spokesmanadmits that the AMC has been working with Colt on two issues.

AMCCOM also deallocates $841,000 in a contract modification to FNrelated to the M249.

Aberdeen awards a $166,000 contract to Colt related to the M249.


BAe agrees to accept the L85/L86 contract only if production istransferred from RSAF Enfield to RO's Nottingham facility.

British armorers receive an improved safety plunger for retrofit tothe SA80. The previous model was prone to accidentallyengage/disengage when dropped.
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13/28

September: AMCCOM awards a $48,224,000 delivery order to Coltrelated to the M16.

Colt publishes the report "XM4 Carbine Development Program."

Loren Brunton receivesUS Patent #4,691,615 titled "M16 Rifle,Improved to More Safely Accommodate Left Handed Shooters."

Picatinny awards a $68,000 contract modification to AAI for ACRcaseless ammunition RDT&E.

Picatinny awards a $1,152,000 contract modification to ARES forACR RDT&E.

Picatinny awards a $670,000 contract modification to MDHC for ACRRDT&E.

Gene Stoner files a patent application for the design of the ARES

LMG (AKA: Stoner 86).

British armorers receive a magazine catch shroud for retrofit to theSA80. Intended to be glued in place, the shrouds are meant to

prevent accidental release of the magazine.

Pier G. Beretta receivesUS Patent #4,693,169 titled "Control Devicefor Rapid Firing Particularly Automatic Weapons."

October: ARDEC's ACR Project Office conducts the third quarterlyreview meeting for ACR Phase II. They announce that ARES andMDHC have both been reinstated in the ACR program.

Aberdeen's BRL releases the memorandum report "Injury toPersonnel from the Partial Penetration of a 19.6 GrainFlchette."

The Full Acceptance Meeting for the SA80 is held.

Pier G. Beretta receivesUS Patent #4,697,495 titled "TrippingMechanism for the Conversion Closed-Bolt Automatic Rifles to Open-Bolt Ones."

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receivesUS Patent #4,702,144 titled"Cocking Slide for Automatic Hand Firearms."

The first firing prototypes of the FN P90 are tested.

AMCCOM awards a $74,000 contract to Okay Industries Inc.

AMCCOM awards a $267,000 contract modification to ParsonsPrecision Products.
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14/28

November: AMCCOM awards a $62,000 contract modification toColt for maintenance and repair.

During an In-Process Review of the ACR project, Colt makes thedecision to forego 2 and 3 round burst devices in favor of full-automatic fire.




Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files an US patent application for theannular primer design used by the Steyr ACR's SCF cartridge.

The INSAS LMG enters user trials.

Late: Diemaco and Colt begin series production of the M16-LMG.Diemaco is responsible for the upper assembly, some of the firecontrol parts, and the hydraulic buffer. Colt is responsible for thelower receiver, final assembly, and final testing.

The British ITDU publishes a summary of SUSAT trials ranging from1975 to 1987.

December: AMCCOM awards a $132,000 contract modification toColt related to the M16.

MDHC begins development of their Advanced Individual WeaponSystem (AIWS). L. James Sullivan is hired to design the weapon,based on Hughes' 1970s-era "Lockless" breech design. (McDonnellDouglas has earlier bought out Hughes' helicopter and armamentinterests, which now comprised the MDHC division.) Evokingcomparisons to H&R's 1962 SPIW entry, the "Lockless" system usesa plastic-cased cartridge. However, unlike the triangular DardickTround, the "Lockless" cartridge is described as a "chiclet," due to itsflat, rectangular box profile. The projectile(s) are set in the center ofthe box, surrounded on either side by compartments filed with

propellant. The weapon's barrel is closed off at the breech end, andthe chiclets feed into the chamber through a slot through the side ofthe barrel. A pressure sleeve then closes over the open chamber'ssides before the round is fired. The spent case is pushed out theopposite side as the next cartridge slides into the chamber. Thedrawback of this system is that the amount of propellant needed isquite high, in this case nearly 3.5 times that of the 5.56mm NATO.Initial work begins on duplex and triplex loadings of conventional

projectiles, but due to high recoil, this is scaled back to multiplexflchette loadings. This starts with a .42 caliber five flchette load,


15/28

and is eventually whittled back to four and then three flchetteloaded in a .338 caliber sabot.

ARMS, Inc.'s Richard Swan writes the JSSAP office proposing that astandard rail interface be developed to replace the variety ofexisting mounting blocks for different weapons. The proposed railinterface should allow for multiple positions to accommodatedifferent optics' individual eye relief, quick attachment/detachmentof optics without loss of zero, and capable of withstanding the recoilof heavy crew served weapons.

The British ITDU begins testing of the "Low Tech Sound Suppressor"from List Precision Engineering. (Bert List was responsible for theintegral suppressor designs of the De Lisle Carbine and the SterlingL34A1 SMG.)

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files multiple US patent applications for thedesign of the Steyr ACR.

1988...

The AMC completes the system fielding of the M16A2.

The US Army Cold Regions Test Center continues arctic testing ofthe M249.

Aberdeen begins trials for the XM858 short-range training cartridge.Candidates include an aluminum-cased cartridge from Omark andplastic cartridges from Federal, Winchester and the United StatesAmmunition Company.

The US Navy SEALs begin issue of the Colt RO727 carbine.

Diemaco begins production of flat-top upper receivers.

The CETME Model L and LC enter Spanish military service.

FFV production Ak5 (FN FNC) enter Swedish military service.

CIS introduces the SR88, a product improved SAR80.

RO introduces the L98A1, a straight-pull cadet rifle conversion of the

L85A1 rifle. They also introduce a proposed SA80 Carbine. Unlikethe 1984 prototype, this model is just long enough to incorporate avertical foregrip ahead of the trigger guard.In addition, theyintroduce the 40mm Enfield Close Assault Weapon (ENCAW), anunderbarrel grenade launcher for the L85A1.

Papua New Guinea purchases 5,000 Australian-made AUG.

Testing resumes for the Wieger rifle. With the successful conclusionof testing, the Wieger 940 system is rushed into production.


16/28

Chinese engineers begin development of a long range, heavy bulletloading for the 5.8x42mm cartridge. This is intended for a futuresniper rifle and LMG.

GIAT of France begins work on a PDW cartridge and weapon. TheArmes de Dfense Rapproche (ADR) is envisioned as a family ofthree weapons: a pistol, a PDW, and a small assault rifle. Initialefforts are centered around a 5.7x25mm cartridge, apparently basedon the 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser) case necked down. Itappears that later prototypes are chambered for a 5.7x22mmcartridge, based on the 7.65x21mm Luger (.30 Luger) case neckeddown.

The US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency publishes "HealthHazard Assessment Report on the Enhanced M16A2 RifleOptical Sight."

January: The GAO publishes a classified report titled "US-Korea

co-production: A Review of the M16 Rifle Program." Anunclassified, redacted version is released three months later.

ARDEC's ACR Project Office conducts the fourth quarterly reviewmeeting for ACR Phase II.

Colt's testing of Reed Knight's muzzle brake/compensator (MBC)assembly indicates a successful decrease in recoil combined with a15 to 20 decibel reduction in muzzle blast.


Ireland adopts the Steyr AUG. The AUG has beaten out the BerettaAR70/90, the Colt M16A2, the Enfield L85A1, the FN FNC, the HKG41, the IMI Galil, the FAMAS, and the SIG SG550.

HK introduces camouflaged variants of the HK 33 and GR3. C-suffixrifles possess a woodland camo scheme while S-suffix rifles arefinished in a desert scheme.

The British begin Environmental User Trials for the SA80. Besidesstandard production L85A1 and L86A1, two different modification

packages for the IW/LSW are tested. To complicate matters, the twoalternative build standards are labeled A2 and A3, not to beconfused with the recent HK-modified L85A2/L86A2. RSAF Enfieldlabels the prototype IW as XL85E2 and XL85E3, with the LSW as the

XL86E2. Parts modified for the A2 and A3 include the following:

Bolt

Magazine Catch

Trigger return spring


17/28

Safety plunger

Recoil spring

Gas plug

Gas port

Gas cylinder

Gas piston

Piston spring

Cocking handle

Ejection port dust cover

In addition, the A3 adds an extra recoil spring and uses a lightenedbolt carrier.

AMCCOM awards a $1,235,000 contract modification to FNMI related

to the M16.

February: During an In-Process Review of the ACR project, Coltdecides to use Olin's full-caliber duplex cartridge and adopt ReedKnight's MBC for use with their ACR. In addition, deliveries havebeen made of the ELCAN optic and the new 7-position collapsiblebuttstock.

The military specification for the M16A2 rifle, MIL-R-63997B(AR), isamended.

March: AMCCOM awards a $31,000 contract modification to Coltrelated to the M16.

Aberdeen awards a $357,000 contract modification to Colt related tothe M249.

Guatemala begins negotiations with Colt for a purchase of M16.

The HK G11 enters technical trials in West Germany.

Joseph C. Kurak, on behalf of R/M Equipment, receivesUS Patent#4,733,489 titled "Apparatus for Reconfiguring Automatic Rifle to

Include Grenade Launching Function."

April: Colt concentrates their ACR program on recoil control,tweaking the design of their hydraulic buffer assembly.


Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receivesUS Patent #4,739,570 titled"Firearm."
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18/28

AMCCOM awards a $1,593,000 contract modification to FNMI relatedto the M16.

May: AMCCOM issues an open solicitation for M16A2 constructionover a five-year contract.

AMCCOM awards a $99,000 delivery order to Colt related to the M16for FMS.

ACR Phase III contracts are awarded. Picatinny awards $104,000and $700,000 contract modifications to Colt, a $500,000 contractmodification to HK, a $800,000 contract modification to Steyr, and a$700,000 contract modification to AAI for ACR RDT&E.

MDHC fabricates their first complete, firing AIWS prototype. Thefinal version is semi-automatic with a 10 round side-mountedmagazine. The cartridges feed upwards from the magazine into thechamber. Spent casings are pushed out through the top of the

weapon as the next cartridge slides into place.

The HK G11 receives its Safety Certification.

HK's Rudolf Brandl and Heinz Matt file an US patent application forthe linkless ammunition feed system for the HK 73.

The British end Environmental User Trials for the SA80. The newbolts prove to be problematic as several fail during use. Two breakafter a mere four rounds have been fired. The A2 standard is foundto be the most reliable, but all of the rifles still show problems indirty conditions.

June: MDHC is dropped from the ACR program.

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

The military specifications for the M199 and M232 DummyCartridges are canceled.

The HK G11 enters troop trials in West Germany.

July: The Army Biomedical Research and Development Labpublishes the report "Comparison of Particulate Lead Levels forDifferent Ammunition Types Used with the M16 Rifle." Thisstudy compares the relative amounts of airborne lead produced bythe M16 rifle firing the M193 standard M16 5.56mm conventionalammunition, the M862 5.56mm plastic training ammunition, and theconventional caliber .22 rifle cartridge. Both breech and breech plusmuzzle lead emissions were determined for each type ofammunition.


19/28

Picatinny awards a $532,000 contract modification to HK for ACRRDT&E.



AMCCOM deallocates $647,000 in a contract modification to FNMIrelated to the M16.

AMCCOM awards a $182,000 contract to Balimoy Mfg. forreplacement M16A2 lower receivers.

August: Aberdeen awards a $74,000 contract modification to Coltrelated to the M249.

Picatinny awards a $989,000 contract modification to HK for ACR

RDT&E.

Picatinny awards a $400,000 contract modification to ARES for ACRRDT&E.



September: AMCCOM awards $32,264,000 to FNMI for M16A2production. It is the initial order of a multi-year contract worth$112,652,562 for 266,961 rifles.

AMCCOM awards $15,442,000 to FNMI for M249 production. It is theinitial order of a multi-year contract worth ~$41 million for ~30,000SAW.

AMCCOM awards a $675,000 delivery order to FN related to theM249. This is for FMS.

Picatinny awards a $493,000 contract modification to HK for ACR

RDT&E.

RSAF Enfield finishes its last complete SA80.

At the ADPA Small Arms Symposium, HK reveals additional details oftheir G11 LMG. The design will use a three-chamber cylinder inorder to help prevent cook-offs, and feed from a 300 roundmagazine located in the butt. HK has produced a working hardwaremodel of the ammunition feed system, and have fired a fullyfunctional breech and loading system. They are conducting live fire
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20/28

testing to determine the cook-off threshold.

Gene Stoner receivesUS Patent #4,770,098 titled "TelescopedAmmunition Round."

October: Colt files a protest with the GAO over FNMI's M16A2contract award. Colt contends that proposals were not evaluated inaccordance with the RFP evaluation criteria. In addition, Coltchallenges the Army's determination that FN is a responsiblecontractor claiming that the Army failed to consider information thatFNMI was delinquent on a substantial number of its currentcontracts, lacked financial capacity, and had quality deficiencies.Colt alleges that the Army in bad faith deliberately chose to ignorethe "performance risks" associated with the FN award, and that theArmy awarded the contract to FN simply to deny the award to Colt.

A group of US Congressmen urge the State Department to halt a$13.8 million sale of 20,000 M16 to Guatemala.

The military specification for the M231 FPW, MIL-S-63348A(AR), isvalidated.

RSAF Enfield ceases production of SA80-related parts, and is closedsoon after.

November: Colt conducts the End of Phase II MaturityDemonstration for their ACR prototype.

AMCCOM awards a $800,000 contract modification to Steyr for ACRRDT&E.

Royal Ordnance's Alexander Newman and Derek Skinner receiveUSPatent #D298,644 titled "Bayonet for an Automatic Firearm."

Late: Brunswick begins a company funded NDI qualification of theRifleman's Assault Weapon (RAW). The RAW is bowling ball-shaped,rocket-propelled grenade fired from a device attached to the muzzleand bayonet lug of a M16.

December: AMCCOM awards a $7,936,000 contract modification toFNMI for M249.

AMCCOM awards a $483,000 contract modification to FN related tothe M249. This is for FMS.

AMCCOM awards a $212,000 contract modification to AAI for ACRRDT&E.

1989...

BAe/RO purchases Sterling Armament and then closes its facilitiessoon afterwards.
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21/28

The British hold additional Environmental User Trials for the SA80.

As before, two different modification packages for the IW/LSW aretested. These are known as the XL85E3/XL86E3 and the

XL86E4/XL86E4. Parts modified for the E3 and E4 include thefollowing:

Bolt

Ejector spring

Magazine housing insert

Interceptor sear

Pistol grip (E3 only)

Trigger

Take-down pins

Safety plunger (E3: Plastic; E4: Aluminum)

Safety plunger spring

Trigger return spring

Butt plate assembly

Cam stud rail

Ejection port dust cover

Dust cover spring

Flash suppressorCheek pad

Recoil rod assembly and springs

Gas piston

Piston spring

Gas plug

Cocking handle

Handguards

Receiver extension (LSW)

Bipod (LSW)

The Australian Engineering Development Establishment (EDE)conducts, on behalf of the Small Arms Replacement Project (SARP),an evaluation of the FN Minimi LMG to ascertain its level ofacceptance into Australian service.


22/28

Japan adopts the Howa Type 89.

FFV begins deliveries of the Ak5B, a designated marksman versionof the basic Ak5. It is equipped with a British SUSAT optic.

SIG introduces the SG550 Sniper.

Approximately 7,500 Wieger rifles and 1,800,000 rounds of 5.56mmammunition are shipped to India.

The Czechs begin field testing of the 5.45mm LADA rifle.

GIAT offers to provide the TDP for its 5.7x22mm PDW cartridge toother designers and companies.

Early: The Peruvian Army awards a $7,867,550 contract for thedelivery of 10,000 Wieger STG942 and 10,000,000 rounds of5.56mm ammunition.

January: The GAO denies Colt's protest over FNMI's M16A2contract award.

AMCCOM awards a $25,493,000 contract modification to FNMI forthe M16A2.

AMCCOM awards a $291,000 contract modification to Colt for ACRRDT&E.

Colt tests ELCAN's final design for the ACR optic.

Diemaco achieves the goal of 100 percent Canadian production forthe C7.

The British ITDU starts SA80 Cold/Dry Environmental Trials inNorway.

Beta Co. receives a L85A1 and L86A1 on loan from the British MODfor testing with the C-Mag.

FN's Rene Predazzer files an US patent application for the design ofthe P90's horizontally-mounted magazine.

February: AMCCOM awards $222,000 and $58,000 delivery ordersto Colt related to the M16 for FMS.

Colt completes assembly of the first six Phase III ACR prototypes.


The British ITDU ends SA80 Cold/Dry Environmental Trials inNorway.


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Brunswick completes NDI qualification of the RAW.

March: Colt submits their Phase III ACR prototypes to Aberdeen.

Colt's Paul G. Kennedy files a patent application for the ACR'shandguard design.

AMCCOM awards a $198,000 delivery order to Colt related to theM16 for FMS.

HK delivers the first five ACR, along with 6,000 rounds ofammunition.

The Canadian military announces that they are adopting ARMS,Inc.'s proposed dovetail dimensions for their flat-top C7 project.

The Australian EDE finds that significant reductions in the dispersionsize of 5-round bursts with the FN Minimi are achieved when the

original Minimi flash suppressor is replaced with a flash suppressorfrom either the F88 rifle or a MAG58 GPMG.

April: The five submitted ACR designs are narrowed to four byAberdeen's Combat Systems Test Agency. The remaining fourcandidates are then cleared for the 9 month field experiments atFort Benning. Colt's ACR is most the conservative, being merely aflattop M16-variant with an improved hydraulic buffer, a moreergonomic collapsible stock, and the muzzlebrake/compensator/flash hider assembly designed by Reed Knight.The oddest addition is the forearm, featuring a tall sighting ribinspired by the earlier HEL tests. The Colt ACR is submitted with anOlin-designed duplex 5.56mm load. The two projectiles weighed 35grains (front) and 33 grains (rear), giving a velocity of ~2900fps.The rifle retains the ability to use the issue M855 cartridge.

HK's ACR is yet another variant of their G11 caseless rifle. Most willnote the change in cartridge nomenclature: 4.92x34mm versus4.73x33mm. However, this is merely a matter of semantics; theprojectile size remains the same (0.194").

AAI's ACR entry harkens back to their 1970s-era SBR. However,instead firing micro-caliber cartridges formed from a 5.56x45mm

parent case, AAI loads a standard 5.56x45mm case with a sabotedflchette (similar in principle to Frankford Arsenal's earlierexperiments). Unfortunately, while the AAI ACR's magazine isspecially sized to prevent insertion of standard 5.56mm NATOcartridges, a standard cartridge could still be manually chambered inthe rifle. Combined with the flchette-tuned gas system, such a mix-up could result in a very serious mishap. (As Dean would say:kaBOOM!) As with earlier AAI flchette rifles, users complain of thehigh noise levels. However, the addition of a soundmoderator/muzzle brake brings the muzzle blast down nearly to the


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level of a standard M16A2.

Steyr's ACR outwardly resembles their flagship AUG family;however, the internal mechanism of their ACR is quite radical.Nearly the entire design, from the "raising chamber" mechanism tothe completely cylindrical, synthetic-cased flchette (SCF) cartridge,is credited to Ulrich Zedrosser (later known for his SBS rifle action).Upon firing, the chamber slides down and a separate piston strips anew cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. As the newcartridge enters the chamber from the rear, it pushes the fired caseforward out of the chamber to eject it. Then the chamber rises inline with the barrel for firing. The extremely high chamber pressuresquoted for the system (60,000-70,000psi) cause some concerns;however, there is no hard data to indicate that any real problemsdeveloped. While the light flchette/sabot combination allow for thevery high cyclic rate to remain controllable, both Steyr and AAI havelimited their designs to three round bursts.

ARES fails to perfect their own belt-fed, bullpup ACR design in time,

and withdraws their entry. Designed by Gene Stoner and developedby Francis Warin, the ARES Advanced Individual Weapon System(AIWS) fires a conventional 5mm tracer projectile (weighing 45grains) from a synthetic cased cartridge, using a raising chamberdesign similar to the Steyr ACR.



British armorers receive a modified magazine catch for retrofit to theSA80. The new magazine catches have a reduced profile to preventthe accidental release of the magazine.

The Brazilian Army issues a Experimental Technical Report clearingthe way for series manufacture of the IMBEL MD1 rifle.

NATO publishes document D/296, outlining a new requirement for aPersonal Defense Weapon (PDW).

Phrobis III's Charles A. Finn receivesUS Patent #4,821,356 titled

"Military Bayonet and Scabbard."

May: Colt conducts final test firing of their Phase III ACRprototypes. The final fifteen rifles are then submitted for the ACRfield trials.


The British ITDU conducts SA80 Hot/Dry Environmental Trials.
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4821356http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4817496


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Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files an US patent application for theannular primer design used by the Steyr ACR's SCF cartridge.

Peru receives a shipment of 2,000 Wieger STG942 and 2,000,000rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. No further deliveries are made afterthe collapse of the East German government.

The ITDU also ends testing of the "Low Tech Sound Suppressor"from List Precision Engineering.

June: AMCCOM awards a $1,840,000 contract modification to Coltrelated to the 1967 Licensing Agreement.

The AMSAA publishes "Independent Evaluation Plan (IEP) forthe Advanced Combat Rifle."


The British ITDU conducts SA80 Hot/Wet Environmental Trials inBrunei.

The ITDU also tests a one-piece sling for the SA80.

July: Olin's Stephen J. Bilsbury, William G. Dennis, Jr., and StephenK. Kernosky file a patent application for a low-cost method offabricating the M855's steel penetrator.

Colt begins training the military trainers assigned to the ACR fieldtests.


AMCCOM awards a $117,000 contract modification to ARES for ACRRDT&E.

ARDEC releases "Molding of Fiber Glass/Epoxy Handguards forthe SFLM (Serial Flechtte Launch Mechanism) AdvancedCombat Rifle."

The Australian EDE publishes "Australian MINIMI F89 LightSupport Weapon (LSW)/Plash Suppressor Test Report."

The Indian Army asks the Ordnance Board to acceleratedevelopment of the INSAS family in hopes of service introduction asearly as 1990.

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser receivesUS Patent #4,846,068 titled"Cartridge for Firearms" andUS Patent #4,848,237 titled "PeripheralPrimer Firearm Cartridge."
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4846068http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4846068http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4848237http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4848237http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4848237http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4848237http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4848237http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4846068http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4846068


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August: AMCCOM awards a $25,000 delivery order to FN related tothe M249.

Richard Swan of ARMS, Inc. is shipped a sample of the Colt ACR'supper receiver and forging along with a purchase order forreengineering the upper receiver's scope rail. One of the main goalsis to increase the strength the rail, as the existing rails cuts makethe receiver too thin. (Reportedly, Swan demonstrated to Colt'sRobert Roy that he could pierce the receiver at the bottom of the cutusing the point of a Number 2 pencil.)



AMCCOM awards a $50,000 contract modification to AAI for ACR

RDT&E.

AMCCOM awards a $260,000 contract modification to MDHC for ACRRDT&E.

September: Special Operations Special Technology (SOST) ModularClose Combat Carbine Project is funded. (This is the forerunner tothe terminology "Special Operations Peculiar Modification," SOPMODfor short.)

The US Army Infantry Center (USAIC) publishes a new edition of theSmall Arms Master Plan (SAMP). The SAMP continues to outlineobjectives for a new family of infantry weapons. These are nownamed the Individual Combat Weapon (ICW), Personal DefenseWeapon (PDW), and Crew Served Weapon (CSW). The ICW is toweigh no more than 10 pounds fully loaded, and be effective out to500 meters versus troops wearing body armor. The ICW is alsointended to be effective against vehicles and low flying aircraft. ThePDW is projected to weigh no more than 1.5 pounds, and be capableof defeating troops wearing body armor at 50 meters.

AMCCOM awards a $923,000 delivery order to Colt related to theM16.


FNMI receives an order for 4,419 M16A2.

AMCCOM issues "Rifle M16 Stock & Guards: AMC NationalTraining Center (NTC) Lessons Learned (LL) Program." Theauthor recommends changing the furniture material to Zytel.

Steyr's Ulrich Zedrosser files multiple US patent applications for the


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design of the Steyr ACR.

The British ITDU restarts SA80 Hot/Dry Environmental Trials.

The Canadian government pays ARMS, Inc. for its set ofstandardized rail dimensions.

The BRL publishes "Live Fire Performance Evaluation of OpticalSights on the M16A2 Rifle."

Candidates for the US Army's Multi-Purpose Individual Munition(MPIM) competition submit Proof of Principle test rounds. Two of thethree candidates are fired from launchers attached to the M16: theBrunswick RAW and the McDonnell Douglas Scorpion. The ScorpionUrban Fighting Weapon is another rocket-propelled weapon. Itslauncher is attached underneath the barrel much like an overgrownM203.

The BRL submits "Candidate Flchette Projectiles."

October: The DOD begins a refurbishment program to update M16and M16A1 rifles to the current M16A2 standard.

November: Colt Industries announces its intent to sell the ColtFirearms Division to CF Holding Company.

AMCCOM awards a $130,000 contract modification to Colt related tothe 1967 Licensing Agreement.

The British ITDU ends SA80 Hot/Dry Environmental Trials.

Late: HK delivers 15 additional ACR plus 90,000 rounds ofammunition in two batches (15,000 and 75,000).

The HK G11 receives type classification by the Bundeswehr.

December: A 6,000 round endurance test is run on the ACRcandidates.

After Reed Knight witnesses press coverage of US soldiers duringthe invasion of Panama using duct tape, hose clamps, and otherimprovised methods to attach flashlights and other accessories to

their weapons, KAC begins development of a modular accessoryattachment system for the M16. Internally, the project is dubbed the"LEGO System."

FN's Jean-Paul Denis and Marc Neuforge file an US patentapplication for the projectile design used in the 5.7x28mm SS90cartridge.

(Next: 5.56mm 1990-1994)
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byDaniel E. Watters,Small Arms Historian

Re tu r n t o To p o f P a g e

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the 5.56 x 45mm - 1986 - 1989 - a chronology of development (part 10) - by daniel watters

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