Engineer Design Test of 5.56-MM Heckler and Koch Machine Gun, Model 23A1
Abstract
The test and evaluation of a 5.56-mm HK-23A1 machine gun was conducted at US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, from 18 February to 30 September 1974 for the purpose of determining the physical and technical characteristics of the weapon and ammunition. A total of 2400 rounds was fired. The weapon was subjected to an initial inspection and safety investigation, an accuracy and dispersion test at 100- and 300-meter ranges, an endurance test, and maintenance and human factors evaluations. The evaluations were terminated prior to completion of the endurance test due to the frequent occurrence of feeding failures, and for safety reasons. Firing of the weapon produced severe case-head swelling and ejection of the primer from the case. The testing of the weapon in a high- and low-temperature environment, originally scheduled after the endurance test, also was cancelled. The cause of the weapon-related malfunctions and cartridge-case casualties was not determined prior to test termination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADB000980
Entities
People
- Franklin H. Miller