Engineer Design Test of 40-mm Grenade Launcher Attachments for M16a1 Rifle (GLAD).

摘要

This test was conducted primarily to evaluate the characteristics of two prototype 40-mm grenade-launcher attachments for the M16/M16A1 rifle and to determine which was the better design for continued development. One launcher attachment was a pump-action design and the other was a pivot-action design. Additionally, as a portion of a continuing phase of the special-purpose individual weapon (SPIW) program, the 40-mm disposable barrel cartridge area target ammunition (DBCATA) concept was tested concurrently. The testing consisted of velocity, accuracy, reliability, adverse conditions, ruggedness, and lubricants compatibility tests. Testing began in May and was completed in August 1968. It was found that, on an over-all test basis, the functioning performance of the pump launcher was superior to that of the pivot and DBCATA launchers. Additionally, it was found that the test launchers, irrespective of type, were detrimental to the functioning performance of the rifle to which attached. The firing of the launcher caused the operating parts of the rifle to recoil out of position, resulting in rifle failures to fire and failures of the hammer to remain seated. On two occasions, the latter condition caused inadvertent firing of the rifle when an attached pivot launcher was fired. It was recommended that, of the three launcher designs tested, the design of the pump launch be considered to offer the more feasible approach toward development of a suitable grenade launcher.