Observation Test of External Tracer Ammunition

Abstract : As a preliminary study of the utility of one concept of 'external tracer', five types of chemically coated ball ammunition (which, when fired, left visible vapor trails to mark projectile trajectory) were compared with 7. 62mm M62 tracer, 5.56mm M196 tracer and 7.62mm ball ammunition on two measures of observation. Twenty infantrymen reported after each of 80 single rounds whether tracer was detected and which of three targets 400 meters downrange was engaged. Standard tracers (M62 and M196) were associated with substantially more accuracy in ammunition target identification than external tracers. Only when observers in daylight were located directly behind the weapon firing were they able to detect external tracer with an accuracy approaching that of standard tracer.