MILITARY POTENTIAL TEST OF NOISE SUPPRESSOR, HEL, M4, FOR M16A1 RIFLE
Abstract
The Military Potential Test of the Noise Suppressor, HEL, M4, for the M16A1 Rifle, was conducted by the US Army Infantry Board from 1 Feb 68 to 26 Mar 68 at Ft Benning, Ga. The purpose was to evaluate the advantages and/or disadvantages of the noise suppressor in realistic operational exercises characteristic of Vietnam environments with respect to such factors as position disclosing effects, system functioning, durability, reliability, and maintenance. Fifteen M16A1 rifles with noise suppressors attached were used to conduct this test. Fifteen standard M16A1 rifles were used for control purposes. Specific phases of testing under temperate climatic conditions included physical characteristics; safety; signature effects; known distance accuracy; quick fire; durability and reliability; portability and aerial delivery; maintenance; human factors engineering; and value analysis. There were no deficiencies; three shortcomings were noted. The gas deflector failed to deflect all of the escaping gases from the firer's eyes; the ejection pattern of the M16A1 rifle with the noise suppressor attached caused the expended cartridge to strike the cheek of left-handed firers; and the malfunction rate of the test weapon was unusually high. It was concluded that the Noise Suppressor, HEL, M4, had military potential and accomplishes the purpose for which it was designed, i.e., to deceive observers located forward of the test weapon as to the location of the weapon when it is fired. It was recommended that the Noise Suppressor, HEL, M4, be considered as having military potential, and further development be directed toward correction of the shortcomings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0830107
Entities
People
- Gene W. Cole
- William R. Lee