Human Factors Problems

1. Human Factors Problems And the Design of the M-16 Rifle

3. History of the M-16 • First introduced in the Vietnam War • Initial design had many flaws • Jammed • Misfired • Unreliable

4. “The weapon has failed us at crucial moments when we needed fire power most. In each case, it left Marines naked against their enemy. Often, and this is no exaggeration, we take counts after each fight, as many as 50% of the rifles fail to work.”

5. Cyclic Rate Trigger & Fire Control Handguard Mag Capacity Target Sighting Major Design Problems

6. Cyclic Rate • Too high • Resonant Mechanisms designed for certain number of rounds • Misused • Jammed • Increased workload • Hydraulic Buffers

7. Trigger & Fire • Semi-automatic & Full-automatic Fire Modes • Selector Switch on side of gun • Inconvenient • Loss of valuable time in battle

8. Trigger & Fire (continued) • TAC trigger • No release of trigger necessary • In action, can be the difference between life and death

9. Control • M16 kickback • Up and to the right • Inaccuracy • Dangerous in training and on battle field • Muzzle Brake

10. Handguard • Maintenance • Locks difficult to remove • Possible design change • Pressurized lock • However, unrealistic without complete redesign

11. Mag Capacity • Largest ammunition magazine holds only 30 rounds • In full auto mode, rounds quickly depleted • Advantageous to double magazine capacity • Less time spent on reloading

12. Mag Capacity (continued) • Possible Redesign of Magazine • Clip holding 60-70 rounds • Circular or box shaped magazine instead of linear

13. Target Sighting • Sighting Accuracy • Difficult to aim