Weapon Zeroing with the Laser Marksmanship Training System (LMTS).
Abstract
This research examined the Laser Marksmanship Training System's (LMTS's) capability to establish a valid weapon (i.e., M16A2 rifle) battlesight zero. A multi-phased approach was used to (a) examine the validity of an LMTS-established zero under live-fire conditions, (b) reexamine this validity using an alternative (presumably more accurate), manufacturer-recommended, LMTS zero calibration procedure, and (c) assess the degree of correspondence between LMTS point of aim and live bullet strike location under stabilized weapon conditions. Only 27% of LMTS-zeroed weapons were found to have confirmable live-fire zeroes, with no benefit resulting from use of the alternative zero calibration procedure. LMTS's aiming point also did not correspond to bullet strike location. Weapon quality was suggested to be a major factor contributing to this lack of correspondence. These findings indicate that an LMTS-established weapon zero may not always correspond to, and thus should not be substituted for, a live-fire-established weapon zero. Consequently, soldiers should not attempt record fire qualification with an LMTS-zeroed weapon without first confirming zero with live ammunition. Range time and ammunition savings resulting from the use of LMTS-zeroed weapons should be modest at best, given the relatively low percentage of LMTS-zeroed weapons found to have valid zeroes. Additional research is underway to examine the feasibility of using LMTS for marksmanship training and evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA369654
Entities
People
- Joseph D. Hagman
- Monte D. Smith