what size bullet does an ak 47 shoot

The AK-47 was finalized, adopted and entered widespread service in the Soviet Army in the early 1950s.[27] Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and reliability were perfectly suited for the Soviet Army's new mobile warfare doctrines. More AK-type weapons have been produced than all other assault rifles combined.[28] In 1974, the Soviets began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the AK-74, which uses 5.45×39mm ammunition.

Comparison of the AK-47 and M16

The two most common assault rifles in the world are the Soviet AK-47 and the American M16.[21][22] These Cold War-era rifles have been used in conflicts both large and small since the 1960s. They are used by military, police, security forces,  revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals and civilians alike and will most likely continue to be used for decades to come.[23][24] As a result, they have been the subject of countless comparisons and endless debate.[5][25][26]

The M16 entered U.S. service in the mid-1960s.[29] Despite its early failures, the M16 proved to be a revolutionary design and stands as the longest continuously serving rifle in American military history. It is a benchmark against which other assault rifles are judged.[30] The U.S. Military has largely replaced the M16 in combat units with a shorter and lighter version called the M4 carbine.[31][32]

The Germans were the first to pioneer the assault rifle concept, during World War II, based upon research that showed that most firefights happen within 400 meters and that contemporary rifles were over-powered for most small arms combat.[33][34][35][36][37][38] They would soon develop a select-fire intermediate powered rifle combining the firepower of a submachine gun with the range and accuracy of a rifle.[33][34][35][36][37][38]

The result was the Sturmgewehr 44, which the Germans produced in large numbers; approximately half a million were made.[33][35][36][37][38] It fired a new and revolutionary intermediate powered cartridge, the 7.92×33mm Kurz.[33][35][36][37][38][39] This new cartridge was developed by shortening the standard 7.92×57mm Mauser round and giving it a lighter 125-grain bullet, that limited range but allowed for more controllable automatic fire.[33][35][36][37][38][39] A smaller lighter cartridge also allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition "to support the higher consumption rate of automatic fire."[33][34]

The Sturmgewehr 44 features an inexpensive, easy-to-make, stamped steel design and a 30-round detachable box magazine.[40] "This weapon was the prototype of all successful automatic rifles. Characteristically (and unlike previous rifles and the M-14) it had a straight stock with the barrel under the gas cylinder to reduce the turning moment of recoil of the rifle in the shoulder and thus help reduce the tendency of shots to climb in automatic fire. The barrel and overall length were shorter than a traditional rifle and it had a pistol grip to hold the weapon more securely in automatic fire. The principle of this weapon — the reduction of muzzle impulse to get usable automatic fire within the actual ranges of combat — was probably the most important advance in small arms since the invention of smokeless powder."[39]

Like the Germans, the Soviets were influenced by experience showing most combat happens within 400 meters and that their soldiers were consistently outgunned by heavily armed German troops, especially those armed with the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifles.[27][41][42][43][44][45] On July 15, 1943, a Sturmgewehr was demonstrated before the People's Commissariat of Arms of the USSR.[46] The Soviets were so impressed with the Sturmgewehr, that they immediately set about developing an intermediate caliber automatic rifle of their own, to replace the badly outdated Mosin–Nagant bolt-action rifles and PPSh-41 submachine guns that armed most of the Soviet Army.[33][43][46][47][48][49][50]

The Soviets soon developed the 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge, the semi-automatic SKS carbine and the RPD light machine gun.[51] Shortly after World War II, the Soviets developed the AK-47 assault rifle, which would quickly replace the SKS in Soviet service.[52][53] The AK-47 was finalized, adopted and entered widespread service in the Soviet army in the early 1950s.[27] Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and reliability were perfectly suited for the Red Army's new mobile warfare doctrines.[27] In the 1960s, the Soviets introduced the RPK light machine gun, itself an AK-47 type weapon with a bi-pod, a stronger receiver, and a longer, heavier barrel that would eventually replace the RPD light machine gun.[51]

The AK-47 was widely supplied or sold to nations allied with the USSR, and the blueprints were shared with several friendly nations (the People's Republic of China standing out among these with the Type 56).[27] As a result, more AK-type weapons have been produced than all other assault rifles combined.[28] "Of the estimated 500 million firearms worldwide, approximately 100 million belong to the Kalashnikov family, three-quarters of which are AK-47s."[28]

On the other hand, the U.S. Army was influenced by combat experience with semi-automatic weapons such as the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine, which enjoyed a significant advantage over enemies armed primarily with bolt-action rifles.[54] Although U.S. Army studies of World War II combat accounts had very similar results to that of the Germans and Soviets, the U.S. Army failed to recognize the importance of the assault rifle concept,[34] and instead maintained its traditional views and preference for high-powered semi-automatic rifles.[33][34][38][55] At the time, the U.S. Army believed that the Sturmgewehr 44 was "intended in a general way to serve the same purpose as the U.S. carbine" and was in many ways inferior to the M1 carbine,[56]  and was of "little importance".[34]

After World War II, the United States military started looking for a single automatic rifle to replace the M1 Garand, M1/M2 Carbines, M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, M3 "Grease Gun" and Thompson submachine gun.[38][57] However, early experiments with select-fire versions of the M1 Garand proved disappointing.[58] During the Korean War, the select-fire M2 Carbine largely replaced the submachine gun in US service[59] and became the most widely used Carbine variant.[60] However, combat experience suggested that the.30 Carbine round was under-powered.[61] American weapons designers reached the same conclusion as the Germans and Soviets: an intermediate round was necessary, and recommended a small-caliber, high-velocity cartridge.[33][62]

However, senior American commanders having faced fanatical enemies and experienced major logistical problems during WWII and the Korean War,[63][64][65][66][67] insisted that a single powerful.30 caliber cartridge be developed, that could not only be used by the new automatic rifle, but by the new general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) in concurrent development.[68][69] This culminated in the development of the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.[68]

The United States Army then began testing several rifles to replace the obsolete M1 Garand. Springfield Armory's T44E4 and heavier T44E5 were essentially updated versions of the Garand chambered for the new 7.62Â mm round, while Fabrique Nationale submitted their FN FAL as the T48. ArmaLite entered the competition late, hurriedly submitting several AR-10 prototype rifles in the fall of 1956 to the United States Army's Springfield Armory for testing.[70]

The AR-10 featured an innovative straight-line barrel/stock design, forged aluminum alloy receivers and with phenolic composite stocks.[71] It had rugged elevated sights, an oversized aluminum[72] flash suppressor and recoil compensator, and an adjustable gas system.[73]  The final prototype, featured an upper and lower receiver with the now-familiar hinge and takedown pins, and the charging handle was on top of the receiver placed inside of the carry handle.[70]  For a 7.62mm NATO rifle, the AR-10 was incredibly lightweight at only 6.85Â lbs. empty.[70]  Initial comments by Springfield Armory test staff were favorable, and some testers commented that the AR-10 was the best lightweight automatic rifle ever tested by the Armory.[74][75]

In the end the United States Army chose the T44 now called the M14 rifle[68] which was an improved M1 Garand with a 20-round magazine and automatic fire capability.[76][77][78] The U.S. also adopted the M60 general purpose machine gun (GPMG).[68] Its NATO partners adopted the FN FAL and HK G3 rifles, as well as the FN MAG and Rheinmetall MG3 GPMGs.

The first confrontations between the AK-47 and the M14 came in the early part of the Vietnam War. Battlefield reports indicated that the M14 was uncontrollable in full-auto and that soldiers could not carry enough ammo to maintain fire superiority over the AK-47.[33][76][79] And, while the M2 Carbine offered a high rate of fire, it was under-powered and ultimately outclassed by the AK-47.[80] A replacement was needed: A medium between the traditional preference for high-powered rifles such as the M14, and the lightweight firepower of the M2 Carbine.

As a result, the Army was forced to reconsider a 1957 request by General Willard G. Wyman, commander of the U.S. Continental Army Command (CONARC) to develop a.223 caliber (5.56 mm) select-fire rifle weighing 6 lbs (2.7 kg) when loaded with a 20-round magazine.[38] The 5.56mm round had to penetrate a standard U.S. helmet at 500 yards (460 meters) and retain a velocity in excess of the speed of sound, while matching or exceeding the wounding ability of the.30 Carbine cartridge.[81]

This request ultimately resulted in the development of a scaled-down version of the Armalite AR-10, called ArmaLite AR-15 rifle.[30][33][82][83] However, despite overwhelming evidence that the AR-15 could bring more firepower to bear than the M14, the Army opposed the adoption of the new rifle.[30][33][76] In January 1963, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara concluded that the AR-15 was the superior weapon system and ordered a halt to M14 production.[30][76] At the time, the AR-15 was the only rifle available that could fulfill the requirement of a universal infantry weapon for issue to all services.

After modifications (most notably, the charging handle was re-located from under the carrying handle like AR-10 to the rear of the receiver),[82] the new redesigned rifle was subsequently adopted as the M16 Rifle.[29][30][33][76] "(The M16) was much lighter compared to the M14 it replaced, ultimately allowing Soldiers to carry more ammunition. The air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle was made of steel, aluminum alloy and composite plastics, truly cutting-edge for the time. Designed with full and semi-automatic capabilities, the weapon initially did not respond well to wet and dirty conditions, sometimes even jamming in combat. After a few minor modifications, the weapon gained in popularity among troops on the battlefield."[76][84][85]

Despite its early failures the M16 proved to be a revolutionary design and stands as the longest continuously serving rifle in American military history.[29][30] It has been adopted by many U.S. allies and the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge has become not only the NATO standard, but "the standard assault-rifle cartridge in much of the world."[30][86][87] It also led to the development of small-caliber high-velocity service rifles by every major army in the world, including the USSR and People's Republic of China.[30] It is a benchmark against which other assault rifles are judged.[30][88][89]

The M16 is a select-fire, 5.56Ã—45mm, air-cooled, direct impingement gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle, with a rotating bolt and straight-line recoil design. It was designed above all else to be a lightweight assault rifle, and to fire a new lightweight, high velocity small caliber cartridge to allow the soldier to carry more ammunition.[30] It was designed to be manufactured with the extensive use of aluminium and synthetic materials by state of the art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) automated machinery.[30][not in citation given] The M16 is a Modular Weapon System, easily configured as an assault rifle, a carbine, a submachine gun and an open-bolt squad automatic weapon.[90] It is easy to assemble, modify and repair using a few simple hand tools, and a flat surface to work on.

At peak production, Colt's manufacturing capacity was approximately 333,000 units per year [91] The M16 continues to benefit from every advance in the CNC field.[92] which allows more and more small manufacturers to mass-produce M16s and semi-automatic AR-15 type rifles.[93][94][95][notes 1] The M16's aluminum lower receivers may be forged or cast.[96] Their receivers may also be made from titanium and a variety of other metallic alloys,[97][98][99] composites[100] or polymers.[101] If necessary, the M16 can be machined from a billet of steel[102] and fitted with wooden furniture.[103] The M16's internal components such as the bolt carrier group and charging handle may also be made of titanium.[104][105] The M16's aluminum receiver and other parts may even be 3D printed,  allowing "people with no gunsmith training to assemble a working assault rifle at home".[106][107]  This makes the M16 ideal for market economy production, spread among many small manufacturers around the country, using a variety of materials and manufacturing methods; this ensures it would be nearly impossible to disrupt U.S. M16 rifle production in the case of a major conflict.

As of 2015, the United States military buys M4 Carbines for $647 (USD) per unit.[20] Approximately 8 million M16 type rifles have been made worldwide.[18]

The AK-47 is a select-fire, 7.62Ã—39mm, air-cooled, long-stroke-piston gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle, with a rotating bolt. It was designed to be a simple, reliable automatic rifle that could be manufactured quickly and cheaply, using mass production methods that were state of the art in the Soviet Union during the late 1940s. The AK-47's barrel and bolt were milled out of a steel billet and hard chromed. Its receiver was originally designed to be stamped from sheet metal with a milled trunnion insert. However, there were many difficulties during the initial phase of production causing high rejection rates due to faulty receivers.[108] Instead of halting production, a heavy forged steel machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.[108][109] This was a more costly and time consuming process, but advanced the program's development and accelerated production.[108][109]  The AK's furniture was simply made out of wood, which was a non-strategic material, and perfectly fits the Soviet manufacturing philosophy, where large manufacturing plants produce basic weapons in very large quantities.

In 1959, the sheet metal stamping process was perfected, simplifying production and reducing the weight of the rifle from 3.87 kg (8.5 lb) to 2.93 kg (6.5 lb) without magazine.[110] Most of the AK type rifles in use today are of this lighter stamped-steel AKM variety. Over time, AK production has been simplified through the use of rivets,[111] spot welding and by further reducing the number of machined parts.[112]

Current model AK's are made using modern manufacturing processes and have many component parts produced by investment casting.[112] This method gives a detailed and accurate product with excellent metallurgical properties.[112] They come in 7.62×39mm (AK-103), 5.45×39mm (AK-74M) and 5.56×45mm (AK-101),[113] with cold hammer forged barrels.[112] They are also made with the use of synthetic/plastic furniture, such as folding stocks, handguards and pistol-grips.[112]

At peak production, Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash)[1] can produce around 95 units per hour (about 832,000 units per year).[114] Because of its stamped-steel design it is not possible to manufacture the AK-47 series efficiently in small plants, due to the large amount of metal stamping equipment needed for mass production. However, the milled-steel AK-47 has spawned a cottage industry of sorts and has been copied and manufactured (one gun at a time) in small shops around the world.[115][116]

As of 2014, Kalashnikov Concern [1] sells the AK-103 at a government price of $150 to $160 (USD) per unit.[19][117] There are places around the world where an AK-47 type rifle can be purchased on the Black Market "for as little as $6, or traded for a chicken or a sack of grain."[118][119][120] Approximately 100 million AK-47 type rifles have been made worldwide.[17][121]

Vietnam era AK-47.

Vietnam era M16A1

AKM with lighter stamped-steel receiver and muzzle-brake

M16A2 with new adjustable rear-sight, case deflector, heavy barrel and improved furniture.

Current AK-103 with compensator, side-folding stock and synthetic furniture.

Current M4A1 carbine with detachable carrying handle.

"The AR-15/M16-series rifles are considered the finest human-engineered assault rifles in the world."[131] The M16 is ergonomically superior to the AK-47 in most respects.[132][133][134] It is much easier and faster to change magazines and get the M16 back into action than with the AK-47.[132][133][135]  This is due to several factors, such as perfectly located magazine release and bolt release buttons, a flared magazine well for fast magazine insertions, and the ability to simply insert the magazine into the M16 in a conventional manner, rather than the "rock and lock" method required with the AK-47.[132][133][136] In addition, it is easier for an M16 user to keep the strong hand on the pistol-grip and sights on target while performing magazine changes than with the AK-47.[132]

The M16 has a well designed safety lever located on the left side of the weapon that is easily manipulated by the user's thumb while maintaining a strong hold on the pistol-grip.[132][133][134] With the AK-47 the safety is a large lever on the right side of the weapon that is not at all easy to manipulate.[132][133][134] "It is slow, uncomfortable and sometimes stiff to operate."[137] For most users, the hand must come off the pistol-grip to either apply or disengage the safety.[132][134] It also makes a "loud and distinctive click" when used.[137] While the fire selector "is considered by many as the main drawback of the whole AK design",[137] its most frequently criticized feature is its trigger mechanism.[135] "The Kalashnikov trigger system, conceptually derived from that of the U.S..30 M1 Garand rifle, is all too often plagued with an objectionable, and sometimes quite painful, "trigger slap" and a creepy and unpredictable trigger pull."[135]

With the proper mind-set, training and practice, soldiers armed with both the AK-47 and M16 are quite deadly. However, the M16's direct impingement gas operation system, straight-line recoil design and smaller caliber give it less recoil than the AK-47 and makes it easier to control in full-auto.[154]

"The (M16's) Stoner system provides a very symmetric design that allows straight line movement of the operating components. This allows recoil forces to drive straight to the rear. Instead of connecting or other mechanical parts driving the system, high pressure gas performs this function, reducing the weight of moving parts and the rifle as a whole."[155] The M16's straight-line recoil design, where the recoil spring is located in the stock directly behind the action,[154] and serves the dual function of operating spring and recoil buffer.[154] The stock being in line with the bore also reduces muzzle rise, especially during automatic fire. Because recoil does not significantly shift the point of aim, faster follow-up shots are possible and user fatigue is reduced. Also, current model M16 flash-suppressors also act as compensators to reduce recoil further.[156]

With the AK-47's long-stroke piston gas system, the piston is mechanically fixed to the bolt group and moves through the entire operating cycle. The primary disadvantage to this system is the disruption of the point of aim due to the center of mass changing during the action cycle and energetic and abrupt stops at the beginning and end of bolt carrier travel. However, the AK-47's heavier weight and slower rate-of-fire do a good job of mitigating any disadvantage. In addition, newer AK-47 type rifles use a  muzzle brake or compensator to reduce recoil.[124] Some AK type rifles also have vertical foregrips to improve handling characteristics and to counter the effects of recoil.[151][152]

Notes: Free Recoil is mathematical equation calculated by using the rifle weight, bullet weight, muzzle velocity and charge weight.[157] It is that which would be measured if the rifle were fired suspended from strings, free to recoil.[157] As mentioned above, a rifle's perceived recoil is also dependent on many other factors which are not readily quantified.[157]

AKM slant-cut muzzle brake

Romanian soldier with AKM. Note: vertical foregrip

AK-103 compensator

Firing an AKM

M16A2 flash-hider & compensator

Firing M16A2 in three-round-burst

"A longer rifle barrel has the advantages of a longer sight radius, theoretically allowing a shooter to obtain a higher degree of accuracy from the improved precision of the sights alone. A longer barrel also provides a longer path for the projectile to stabilize prior to exiting the barrel, while allotting a longer period of time for the propellant charge to act on the projectile, often resulting in higher muzzle velocities and more consistent trajectories. A long barrel inherently provides more mass available for heat transfer, increasing the heat transfer rate incurred between shots, in turn allotting less warpage in the barrel, helping to improve consistency (and ultimately accuracy)."[158]

The M16 has a 50.8 cm (20.0 in) barrel and a 500mm (19.75 inches) sight radius.[15] The M16 uses an L-type flip, aperture rear sight and it is adjustable with two setting, 0 to 300 meters and 300 to 400 meters.[10] The front sight is a post, adjustable for elevation in the field. The rear sight can be adjusted in the field for windage. The sights can be adjusted with a bullet tip and soldiers are trained to zero their own rifles. The sight picture is the same as the M14, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and the M1917 Enfield. The M16 also has a "Low Light Level Sight System", which includes a front sight post with a small glass vial of (glow-in-the-dark) radioactive Tritium H3 and a larger aperture rear sight.[159] The M16 can mount a scope on the carrying handle. With the advent of the M16A2, a new fully adjustable rear sight was added, allowing the rear sight to be dialed in for specific range settings between 300 and 800 meters and to allow windage adjustments without the need of a tool or cartridge.[160] Current issue M16A4s and M4s have detachable carrying handles and use Picatinny rails which allow for the use of various scopes and sighting devices.[139] The current United States Army and Air Force issue M4 Carbine comes with the M68 Close Combat Optic and Back-up Iron Sight.[161][162] The United States Marine Corps uses the ACOG Rifle Combat Optic[163][164] and the United States Navy uses EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight.[165]

The AK-47 has a 41.5 cm (16.3 in) barrel and a 378mm (14.88 inches) sight radius.[9] The AK-47 uses a notched rear tangent iron sight, it is adjustable and is calibrated in hundreds from 100 to 800 meters (100 to 1000 meters for AKM models).[149] The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. Windage adjustment is done by the armory before issue. The "fixed" battle setting can be used for all ranges up to 300 meters.[149][166] This "point-blank range" setting marked "П",[166] allows the shooter to fire at close range targets without adjusting the sights. Longer range settings are intended for area suppression. These settings mirror the Mosin–Nagant and SKS rifles which the AK-47 replaced. Some AK type rifles have a front sight with a flip-up luminous dot that is calibrated at 50 meters, for improved night fighting.[149] All current AK-47s (100 series), have a side rail for mounting a variety of scopes and sighting devices, such as the PSO-1 Optical Sniper Sight.[124] However, their side folding stocks cannot be folded with the optics mounted.[167]

Serbian Zastava M21S (AK-47 variant) and GP-30. Note: sights on Picatinny rails

Rear sight of Chinese AK-47 type rifle. Note: 100â€“800 meter settings.

AKM with NSP-3 night sight mounted on side rail

Rear sight of M16A1

Rear sight of M16A2

M16A4/M203 Note: sights on Picatinny rails

A brief comparison between cartridges reveals that the M16's lighter, higher-velocity 5.56×45mm cartridge has much better range and accuracy than the AK-47's heavier 7.62×39mm cartridge.[55][168][169]

Note *: The effective range of a firearm is the maximum distance at which a weapon may be expected to be accurate and achieve the desired effect.[171]Note **: The horizontal range is the distance traveled by a bullet, fired from the rifle at a height of 1.6 meters and 0° elevation, until the bullet hits the ground.[172]Note ***: The lethal range is the maximum range of a small-arms projectile, while still maintaining the minimum energy required to put a man out of action, which is generally believed to be 15 kilogram-meters (108 ft.-Ibs.).[11] This is the equivalent of the muzzle energy of a.22LR handgun.[173]Note ****: The maximum range of a small-arms projectile is attained at about 30° elevation. This maximum range is only of safety interest, not for combat firing.[11]

The M16 rifle is "accurate beyond description".[174] Its light recoil, high-velocity and flat trajectory allow shooters to take head shots out to 300 meters.[175][176] Newer M16s use the newer M855 cartridge increasing their effective range to 600 meters.[125] They are also more accurate than their predecessors and are capable of shooting 1–3 inch groups at 100 yards.[177][178] "In Fallujah, Marines with ACOG-equipped M16A4s created a stir by taking so many head shots that until the wounds were closely examined, some observers thought the insurgents had been executed."[179] The newest M855A1 EPR cartridge is even more accurate and during testing "...has shown that, on average, 95 percent of the rounds will hit within an 8 × 8-inch target at 600 meters."[180]

The AK-47's accuracy has always been considered to be "good enough" to hit an adult male torso out to about 300 meters.[177][181][182] "At 300 meters, expert shooters (firing AK-47s) at prone or at bench rest positions had difficulty putting ten consecutive rounds on target."[183] Despite the Soviet engineers' best efforts and "no matter the changes, the AK-47's accuracy could not be significantly improved; when it came to precise shooting, it was a stubbornly mediocre arm."[184] Curiously, the newer stamped steel receiver AKM models are actually less accurate than their predecessors.[177] "There are advantages and disadvantages in both forged/milled receivers and stamped receivers. Milled/Forged Receivers are much more rigid, flexing less as the rifle is fired thus not hindering accuracy as much as stamped receivers. Stamped receivers on the other hand are a bit more rugged since it has some give in it and have less chances of having metal fatigue under heavy usage."[177] As a result, the milled AK-47's are capable of shooting 3–5 inch groups at 100 yards, whereas the stamped AKM's are capable of shooting 4–6 inch groups at 100 yards.[169][177] The best shooters are able to hit a man-sized target at 800 metres within five shots (firing from prone or supported position) or ten shots (standing).[185]

A brief comparison between cartridges reveals that the AK-47's heavier 7.62×39mm cartridge has much better penetration than the M16's lighter, higher-velocity 5.56×45mm cartridge.[12][13][187][188][189] However, it also reveals that the M16's lighter, higher-velocity 5.56mm bullet has a tendency to fragment on impact causing larger wounds than the AK-47's heavier 7.62mm bullet, which does not fragment on impact.[12][13][187][190]

The AK-47's heavier 7.62×39mm round has superior penetration when compared to the M16's lighter 5.56×45mm round and is better in circumstances where a soldier has to shoot through heavy foliage, walls or a common vehicle's metal body and into an opponent attempting to use these things as cover. The 7.62×39mm M43 projectile does not generally fragment in soft tissue[190] and has an unusual tendency to remain intact even after making contact with bone. The 7.62×39mm round produces significant wounding in cases where the bullet tumbles in tissue,[191] but produces relatively minor wounds in cases where the bullet exits before beginning to yaw.[187][192][193] In the absence of yaw, the M43 round can pencil through tissue with relatively little injury and its wounding potential is limited to the small permanent wound channel the bullet itself makes.[187][190][194]

The original ammunition for the M16 was the 5.56×45mm M193 round. When fired from a 20" barrel at ranges of up to 100 meters, the thin-jacketed lead-cored round traveled fast enough (above 2900 ft/s) that the force of striking a human body would cause the round to yaw (or tumble) and fragment into about a dozen pieces of various sizes thus created wounds that were out of proportion to its caliber.[12][187][190] These wounds were much larger than those produced by AK-47 and they were so devastating that many considered the M16 to be an inhumane weapon.[195][196][197] As the 5.56mm round's velocity decreases, so does the number of fragments that it produces.[38] The 5.56mm round does not normally fragment at distances beyond 200 meters or at velocities below 2500 ft/s, and its lethality becomes largely dependent on shot placement.[38][187]

In March 1970, the U.S. recommended that all NATO forces adopt the 5.56×45mm cartridge.[87] This shift represented a change in the philosophy of the military's long-held position about caliber size. By the mid 1970s, other armies were looking at M16-style weapons. A NATO standardization effort soon started and tests of various rounds were carried out starting in 1977.[87] The U.S. offered the 5.56×45mm M193 round, but there were concerns about its penetration in the face of the wider introduction of body armor.[38] In the end the Belgian 5.56×45mm SS109 round was chosen (STANAG 4172) in October 1980.[87] The SS109 round was based on the U.S. cartridge but included a new stronger, heavier, 62 grain bullet design, with better long range performance and improved penetration (specifically, to consistently penetrate the side of a steel helmet at 600 meters).[38] Due to its design and lower muzzle velocity (about 3110 ft/s)[15] the Belgian SS109 round is considered more humane because it is less likely to fragment than the U.S. M193 round.[196] The NATO 5.56×45mm standard ammunition produced for U.S. forces is designated M855.

Most, if not all, of the 7.62×39mm ammunition found today is of the upgraded M67 variety. This variety deleted the steel insert, shifting the center of gravity rearward and allowing the projectile to destabilize (or yaw) at about 3.3 in (8.4 cm), nearly 6.7 in (17 cm) earlier in tissue than the M43 round.[198] This change also reduces penetration in ballistic gelatin to ≈25 in (64 cm) for the newer M67 round verses ≈29 in (74 cm) for the older M43 round.[13][198] However, like the M43, the wounding potential of M67 is mostly limited to the small permanent wound channel the bullet itself makes, especially when the bullet yaws (tumbles).[190][198]

There is now relative parity between the wounding capacity of the M67 and the current M855 5.56×45mm round. However, there have been repeated and consistent reports of the M855's inability to wound effectively (i.e. fragment) when fired from the short barreled M4 carbine (even at close ranges).[38] The M4's 14.5" barrel length reduces muzzle velocity to about 2900 ft/s.[199] This reduced wounding ability is one reason that, despite the Army's transition to short-barrel M4's, the Marine Corps has decided to continue using the M16A4 with its 20″ barrel as the 5.56×45mm M855 is largely dependent upon high velocity in order to wound effectively.[38]

In 2003, the U.S. Army contended that the lack of lethality of the 5.56×45mm was more a matter of perception than fact.[200][201] With good shot placement to the head and chest, the target was usually defeated without issue.[200][202] The majority of failures were the result of hitting the target in non-vital areas such as extremities.[200] However, a minority of failures occurred in spite of multiple hits to the chest.[200] In 2006, a study found that 20% of soldiers using the M4 Carbine wanted more lethality or stopping power.[55] In June 2010, the United States Army announced it began shipping its new 5.56mm, lead-free, M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round to active combat zones.[203] This upgrade is designed to maximize performance of the 5.56×45mm round, to extend range, improve accuracy, increase penetration and to consistently fragment in soft-tissue when fired from not only standard length M16s, but also the short-barreled M4 carbines.[180][203][204] The U.S. Army was so impressed with the M855A1 EPR round that they also developed the 7.62×51mm M80A1 EPR version.[205][206][207]

During the 1990s, the Russians developed the AK-101 in 5.56×45mm NATO for the world export market.[208][209] In addition, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Yugoslavia (i.e. Serbia) have also rechambered their locally produced AK variants to 5.56mm NATO.[210][211] And, Finland, Israel, South Africa and Sweden have made AK type rifles in 5.56×45mm since the 1970s.[212]

Russian steel-case 7.62Ã—39mm cartridge

5.56Ã—45mm cartridge

Handful of various types of 7.62Ã—39mm cartridges

5.56Ã—45mm M855 ammo on 10-round stripper clips

5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round and its environmentally friendly projectile

Modern service rifle cartridges cases: (left to right) 7.62×54mmR, 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×39mm M43, 5.56×45mm NATO, 5.45×39mm M74.

Rates of fire

Both the AK-47 and the M16 are select-fire weapons capable of firing in semi-automatic and full-auto, or semi-auto and 3-round-burst for the later model M16s. However, the semi-auto and 3-round-burst capability of the M16A2 and M4 models have less combat capability than their predecessors or AK-47 type rifles.[148] This is due to the elimination of full-auto mode of fire[148] In addition, the burst mechanism does not recycle; if one or two rounds are fired because the trigger is not held long enough, the next pull of the trigger will not result in a three-round burst, but will result in one or two shots being fired.[148] The M4A1 and HK416 have abandoned the 3-round-burst capability and returned to the more traditional semi-automatic and full-auto modes of fire, while the M16A4 retains the 3-round burst mode.[213][214]

Note *: The AK-47 does not have a three-round burst capability. The M16A2 and M4 models have replaced the full-auto mode of fire with a three-round burst capability.[148]Note **: Both the AK-47 and the M16 will overheat fairly quickly under normal combat conditions and have a sustained rate of fire as low as 12 to 15 rounds per minute (about the same as a bolt-action rifle).[220][221][222]

The standard magazine capacity for both the AK-47 and M16 type rifles is 30 rounds, although lower and higher capacity magazines are available for both systems. However, the single most limiting factor in terms of firepower is the amount of ammunition that a soldier can carry.[223][224][225][226] A soldier armed with an M16 can carry far more ammo than a soldier armed with an AK-47.[188][227] Assuming a maximum 10 kilogram ammo-load...

Note *: 10 kg (22 lb) is the maximum amount of ammo that the average soldier can comfortably carry... it also allows for best comparison of the three most common AK-47 magazines to the standard USGI M16 magazine.

Note: All of these grenades, launchers and shotguns add additional bulk and weight to the soldiers war-load and as a result, they reduce the amount rifle ammunition that soldiers can carry. For example, a modern French AC58 "bullet trap" rifle grenade is 380mm long and weighs 0.5 kg (1.1 lb),[236] the equivalent of a loaded M16 magazine.[125] An M203 grenade launcher adds 1.4 kg (3 lb) to an M16's weight[237] and 40×46mm High Explosive (HE) grenades weigh 0.24 kg (0.53 lb),[238] about half the weight of a loaded M16 magazine.[125]

Video of U.S. troops using GREM (Simon) rifle grenade system

Israeli paratrooper prepares to launch Simon rifle grenade from M4 Carbine

M203 attached to an M4 Carbine

M320 attached to an M4 carbine

M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System on M4 Carbine

KAC Masterkey on M4 Carbine.

AKM with GP-25 grenade launcher

AK-103 with GP-34 Grenade Launcher.

U.S. Marine sights a Zastava M70 with 22mm grenade launcher attached to the muzzle. Note: M59/66 (SKS) to the side which also has 22mm grenade launcher.

Zastava M70 rifle with grenade sights raised.

Polish kbkg wz. 1960 with 22mm rifle-grenade launcher attached to muzzle

AK-47 with Kalashnikov grenade launcher mounted on the muzzle.

Neither the AK-47 nor the M16 were designed to mount accessories, except of course for their respective bayonets and a simple clamp type bipod for the M16.[239][240] However, with the advent of the Picatinny rail and by sheer happenstance, the M16 has proven itself to be a remarkably adaptable weapon system, capable of mounting a wide range of accessories, including grenade launchers, fore-grips, removable carry handle/rear sight assemblies, bipods, laser systems, electronic sights, night vision, tactical lights, etc.[90] The AK-47 can also use Picatinny rail mounted accessories, although its design and smaller fore-stock make it less adaptable.

In addition, the M16 is "the Swiss Army knife of rifles" a modular weapon system whose components can be arranged in a variety of different configuration.[90][241] For example, an M16A2 with its standard iron sights and a standard fore-stock can be easily converted, in a matter of seconds and without the use of tools to an M16A4 with Picatinny rails, optical sights and a variety of accessories.[242] This is accomplished by simply pushing in two pins, removing the A2 upper receiver/barrel and replacing it with an A4 upper receiver/barrel.[242] Or, an M16A4 Rifle can be converted to an M4 Carbine in a few minutes by replacing the upper receiver/barrel and using simple hand-tools to replace the fixed buttstock with a telescoping buttstock.[242] As such, the M16 can be easily converted into different calibers and different types of weapons.[243][244] The AK-47 has no such capability.

M4 Modular Weapon System shown with various accessories

An M4A1 with SOPMOD package, including Rail Interface System and Trijicon 4Ã— ACOG

Close-up of M4 carbine with Picatinny rail mounted laser and with M68 Close Combat Optic.

Afghan border police aiming an AK type rifle with Picatinny rails, holographic weapon sight and foregrip

Hungarian AMD-65M with Picatinny rails, new handgrips, Aimpoint sight and sidefolding stock

AKMS with commercial Picatinny rail fore-stock and folding pistol-grip attachment

Today, bayonets are rarely used in combat.[245][246][247] However, both the AK-47 and M16 retain bayonet lugs and bayonets are still issued. Also, bayonets are still used for controlling prisoners and as a weapon of "last resort".[245] In addition, some authorities have concluded that bayonets serve as useful training aids in building morale and increasing desired aggression in troops.[248][249]

The M16 is 44.25 inches (1124mm) long with an M7 bayonet attached.[10] The M7 bayonet is based on earlier designs such as the M4, M5, & M6 bayonets, all of which are direct descendants of the M3 Fighting Knife and have spear-point blade with a half sharpened secondary edge. The newer M9 bayonet has a clip-point blade with saw teeth along the spine, and can be used as a multi-purpose knife and wire-cutter when combined with its scabbard. The current USMC OKC-3S bayonet bears a resemblance to the Marines' iconic Ka-Bar fighting knife with serrations near the handle.

The AK is 40.15 inches (1020mm) long with an AKM type bayonet attached.[250] The AK-47 has an adequate but unremarkable bayonet. However, the AKM Type I bayonet (introduced in 1959) was a revolutionary design.[251] It has a Bowie style (clip-point) blade with sawteeth along the spine, and can be used as a multi-purpose knife and wire-cutter when combined with its steel scabbard.[149][251] This design was copied by other nations and formed the basis of the US M9 bayonet.[251][252] The AK-74 bayonet (introduced in 1983) represents a further refinement of the AKM bayonet. "It introduced a radical blade cross-section, that has a flat milled on one side near the edge and a corresponding flat milled on the opposite side near the false edge.[251] The blade has a new spear point and an improved one-piece molded plastic grip making it a more effective fighting knife.[251] It also has saw-teeth on the false edge and the usual hole for use as a wire-cutter.[251] Some Chinese AK type rifles such as the Type 56 include an integral folding spike bayonet, similar to the SKS rifle.[149][252][253]

M7 Bayonet & M8A1 Sheath

M9 bayonet in wire-cutter configuration

USMC OKC-3s bayonet

Original AK-47 bayonet

AKM bayonet in wire-cutter configuration

AKM type II bayonet

The AK-47 has always enjoyed a reputation for rugged reliability and has a malfunction rate of one per 1000 rounds fired.[254][255]  It uses a long-stroke gas system, where the gas is sent from the barrel to push a piston attached to the bolt carrier, thus operating the action. The gas tube is fairly large and is visible above the barrel with ports or vents to allow the excess "dirty" gas to escape without affecting the action. The AK-47 is often built with generous clearances, allowing it to function easily in a dirty environment with little or no maintenance. This makes it reliable but less accurate.[256]

The M16 has always had a reputation for poor reliability and has a malfunction rate of two per 1000 rounds fired.[254] The M16 uses a unique gas powered operating system. "This gas operating system works by passing high pressure propellant gasses tapped from the barrel down a tube and into the carrier group within the upper receiver, and is commonly but incorrectly referred to as a "direct impingement gas system". The gas expands within a donut shaped gas cylinder within the carrier. Because the bolt is prevented from moving forward by the barrel, the carrier is driven to the rear by the expanding gasses and thus converts the energy of the gas to movement of the rifle’s parts. The bolt bears a piston head and the cavity in the bolt carrier is the piston sleeve. It is more correct to call it an “internal piston” system."[155] This design is much lighter and more compact than a gas-piston design. However, this design requires that combustion byproducts from the discharged cartridge be blown into the receiver as well. This accumulating carbon and vaporized metal build-up within the receiver and bolt-carrier negatively affects reliability and necessitates more intensive maintenance on the part of the individual soldier. The DI operation increases the amount of heat that is deposited in the receiver while firing the M16 and causes essential lubricant to be "burned off". This requires frequent and generous applications of appropriate lubricant.[38] Lack of proper lubrication is the most common source of weapon stoppages or jams.[38]

The original M16 fared poorly in the jungles of Vietnam and was infamous for reliability problems in the harsh environment. As a result, it became the target of a Congressional investigation.[257][29] The investigation found that:[29]

When these issues were addressed and corrected by the M16A1, the reliability problems decreased greatly.[258] According to a 1968 Department of Army report, the M16A1 rifle achieved widespread acceptance by U.S. troops in Vietnam.[85] "Most men armed with the M16 in Vietnam rated this rifle's performance high, however, many men entertained some misgivings about the M16's reliability. When asked what weapon they preferred to carry in combat, 85 percent indicated that they wanted either the M16 or its submachine gun version, the XM177E2. (The M14 was preferred by 15 percent, while less than one percent wished to carry either the Stoner rifle, the AK-47, the carbine or a pistol.)"[85] In March 1970, the "Presidentâ€™s Blue Ribbon Defense Panel" concluded that the issuance of the M16 saved the lives of 20,000 U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War, who would have otherwise died had the M14 remained in service.[54] However the M16 rifle's reputation continues to suffer.[258]

After the introduction of the M4 Carbine, it was found that the shorter barrel length of 14.5 inches also has a negative effect on reliability, as the gas port is located closer to the chamber than the gas port of the standard length M16 rifle: 7.5 inches instead of the 13 inches.[259] This affects the M4’s timing and increases the amount of stress and heat on the critical components, thereby reducing reliability.[260] Thereafter, the Army and Colt worked to make modifications to the M4s and M16A4s in order to address the problems found.[261]

In tests conducted in 2005 and 2006 the Army found that on average, the new M4s and M16s fired approximately 5,000 rounds between stoppages.[261][262] In 2010, U.S. Marines operating in Afghanistan reported no reliability problems with their M16 rifles and M4 carbines.[263] "This is more so given the account of Chief Warrant Officer Joshua S. Smith, the Marine responsible for weapons training and performance in the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, which is engaged in daily fighting in Marja. 'We've had nil in the way of problems; we've had no issues,' he said of the M-4s and M-16s. The battalion has about 350 M-16s and 700 M-4s, he said."[263]

The newest version of the M16 in U.S. service is the HK416 (a.k.a. the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle)[264][265][266][267][268] which uses a proprietary gas system derived from the HK G36, replacing the direct impingement gas system used by the standard M16/M4.[269] The HK system uses a short-stroke gas piston driving an operating rod to force the bolt carrier to the rear. This design prevents combustion gases from entering the weapon's interior, a shortcoming with direct impingement systems.[270][271] The reduction in heat and fouling of the bolt carrier group increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages.[271][272] The short-stroke gas piston require less maintenance and cleaning.[271] It reduces operator cleaning time and stress on critical components.[271] "Improving the service interval requirements provides a major benefit to soldiers that may not have the ability or opportunity to thoroughly clean their rifle. Also, the design of the external gas piston system is less susceptible to build up of other contaminants in extreme environments."[271] During factory tests the HK416 fired 10,000 rounds in full-auto without malfunctioning.[273]

"Magazines are one of the most important elements of any firearm design. They are responsible for the feeding portion of the cycle of operation. Even in the most proven arm that reliably extracts and ejects, the magazine has to be 100-percent reliable for it to consistently feed properly."[274]

The AK-47’s 30-round magazines have a pronounced curve that allows them to smoothly feed ammunition into the chamber. Their heavy steel construction combined with "feed-lips" (the surfaces at the top of the magazine that control the angle at which the cartridge enters the chamber) machined from a single steel billet makes them highly resistant to damage. These magazines are so strong that "Soldiers have been known to use their mags as hammers, and even bottle openers."[275] This makes the AK-47 magazine more reliable, although heavier than U.S. and NATO magazines. The early slab-sided steel AK-47 magazines weigh 0.43 kg (0.95 lb) empty.[127]  The later steel AKM magazines had lighter sheet-metal bodies with prominent reinforcing ribs weighing 0.33 kg (0.73 lb) empty.[123][127] The current issue steel-reinforced plastic magazines are even lighter, weighing 0.25 kg (0.55 lb) empty.[239] Early steel AK-47 magazines are 9.75 inches long, and the later ribbed steel AKM and newer plastic magazines are about an inch shorter.[5][276]

The M16's magazine was meant to be a lightweight, disposable item.[90][274] As such, it is made of pressed/stamped aluminum and was not designed to be durable.[90] Therefore, it is easier to damage than an AK-47 magazine and the feed lips are proportionally weaker when compared to the AK-47.[274]  The M16 originally used a 20-round magazine which was later replaced by a bent 30-round design.[274]  As a result, the magazine follower tends to rock or tilt, causing malfunctions.[274]  Many non-U.S. and commercial magazines have been developed to effectively mitigate these shortcomings (e.g., H&K's all-stainless-steel magazine, Magpul's polymer P-MAG, etc.).[38][274] Standard USGI aluminum 30-round M16 magazines weigh 0.11 kg (0.24 lb) empty and are 7.1 inches long.[277][278] The newer plastic magazines are about a half inch longer.
[279] The newer steel magazines are about a half inch longer and 4 ounces heavier.[280] The M16's magazine has become the unofficial NATO STANAG magazine and is currently used by many Western Nations, in numerous weapon systems.[281][282]

In 2009, the U.S. Military began fielding an "improved magazine" identified by a tan-colored follower.[283][284] "The new follower incorporates an extended rear leg and modified bullet protrusion for improved round stacking and orientation. The self-leveling/anti-tilt follower minimizes jamming while a wider spring coil profile creates even force distribution. The performance gains have not added weight or cost to the magazines."[284]

In July 2016, the U.S. Army introduced the new Enhanced Performance Magazine.[285] These new magazines have tan bodies and blue followers.[285] "Unlike previous magazines, the EPM uses a new, modified magazine body (and therefore not interchangeable, hence the different color) which presents the rounds at a more favorable angle to the rifleâ€™s feedway, improving reliability and, importantly, preventing the hardened steel tips of new 5.56mm M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds from contacting the aluminum feed ramp section on M4 type rifles."[285] This allows for a dramatic 300% increase in the number of rounds fired between stoppages.[285]

Feed-lips of plastic AK-47 magazine

Feed-lips of steel AK-47 magazine

Plastic AK-47 magazines

Feed-lips of M16 magazine

Vietnam era 20-round M16 magazine (left) and current issue NATO STANAG 30-round magazine (right).

Improved M16 magazine follower

AK-47 type rifles are made in dozens of countries, with “quality ranging from finely engineered weapons to pieces of questionable workmanship.” [286] As a result, the AK-47 has a service/system life of approximately 6,000,[287] to 10,000,[288] to 15,000[289] rounds.[43] The AK-47 was designed to be a cheap, simple, easy to manufacture assault rifle,[290] perfectly matching Soviet military doctrine that treats equipment and weapons as disposable items.[291] As units are often deployed without adequate logistical support and dependent on "battlefield cannibalization" for resupply, it is actually more cost-effective to replace rather than repair weapons.[291]

Both the AK-47 and the M16 have small parts and springs that need to be replaced every few thousand rounds.[90][292] However..."Every time (an AK) is disassembled beyond the field stripping stage, it will take some time for some parts to regain their fit, some parts may tend to shake loose and fall out when firing the weapon. Some parts of the AK-47 line are riveted together. Repairing these can be quite a hassle, since the end of the rivet has to be ground off and a new one set after the part is replaced."[111]

M16 type rifles are made by dozens of manufactures around the world, to the highest standards "the goal of which is to ensure that products designed for military use meet the necessary requirements with regard to quality, durability, ruggedness, commonality, interchangeability, total cost of ownership, logistics and other military and defense-related objectives."[293] The M16's barrel life is approximately 15,000 rounds for standard issue M16A4s and M4s.[262] Cold hammer forged steel barrels such as those used on the HK416 have service life of 20,000 to 50,000 rounds depending on the intensity of use.[292][264][294] A badly worn M16 barrel will cause the bullets to tumble in flight.[295] However, the M16â€™s upper receiver/barrel may be swapped out in a matter of seconds,  without the use of tools, simply by pushing out two pins.[296][297][298] The M16 was designed to be a serviceable assault rifle,[299] perfectly matching American military doctrine where units are resupplied on a continuous basis, and are expected to perform most of their own maintenance and repairs in the field.[291] As such, American units are well supplied and are quickly provided with whatever spare-parts they need by their logistical support systems.[291]

An M16 rifle that has been declared non-serviceable may be sent to a Small Arms Repair Facility, where it is overhauled, upgraded and returned to service.[300][301] The M16 rifle may be recycled almost infinitely,[302] as any individual part can be easily replaced until none of the original parts remain.

"The AK-74 assault rifle was a Soviet answer to the US M16."[335][336][337] The Russians realized that the M16 had better range and accuracy over the AKM, and that its lighter cartridge allows soldiers to carry more ammunition. Therefore, in 1967, the USSR issued an official requirement to replace the AKM and the 7.62×39mm cartridge.[338] They soon began to develop the AK-74 and the 5.45×39mm cartridge.[30][not in citation given][339] AK-74 production began in 1974,[340]  and it was unveiled in 1977, when it was carried by Soviet parachute troops during the annual Red Square parade.[341] It would soon replace the AKM and become the standard Soviet infantry rifle.[341] In 1979, the AK-74 saw combat for the first time in Afghanistan.[342]

The AK-74 is best described as a modified version of the 7.62×39mm AKM rifle.[341][343] These modifications were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the 5.45×39mm cartridge,[341] some early models are reported to have been rebarreled AKMs.[343] The AK-74 and AKM share 9 assemblies and 52 parts (36% & 53% parts commonality, respectively).[344]

The 5.45×39mm cartridge is much lighter than the 7.62×39mm round that it replaced, allowing soldiers to carry 1.5 times more ammunition.[338] The AK-74 also offers improved range and accuracy over the AKM.[345] However, the AK-74s range and accuracy is still "inferior to most Western weapons," including current issue M16 type rifles.[346]

The 5.45 mm bullet tumbles in soft tissue producing temporary cavities at a depth of 10 cm (3.9 in) and 35 cm (13.8 in).[187] This effect is similar to, but more rapid than with 7.62×39mm cartridge.[187] The 5.45mm round offers better penetration over the U.S. round.[13][347] However, unlike its counterpart, the 5.45mm round “does not deform or fragment when striking soft tissues.”[13][347] Nevertheless, during the Afghan war the Mujahedeen called the 5.45×39mm round the "Poison Bullet" due to the severe wounds it produced to extremities and the resulting need to amputate.[348][349][350]

Notes *: Group = Extreme Spread of group...Hits = Hits on 39" high Ã— 19" wide silhouette

5.45Ã—39mm, Soviet counterpart of 5.56mm NATO

Early AK-74 assault rifle with rust-colored plastic magazine and laminated wood furniture

Field stripped AK-74

AKS-74 with stamped-steel triangular-shaped side-folding buttstock

Current issue AK-74M with plastic furniture & side-folding buttstock

AK-74M with GP-34 grenade launcher and 60-round casket magazine

The following Summary has been taken directly from the
"Rifle Evaluation Study", United States Army, Combat Development Command, ADA046961, 20 Dec 1962.[5] Additional information can be found in "Rifle Evaluation Study", United States Army, Infantry Combat Developments Agency, ADA050268, 10 Dec 1962".[188]

Note: This is the first time that the United States Army compared the AR-15/M16 and the AK-47.

The AR-15 was not equipped with any flash suppressor during the conduct of this test. Also, there was only a small amount of ammunition available for use in the AK-47. As a result, the night firing capability of both the AR-15 and AK-47 were not properly tested. In a subsequent test at Fort Benning an AR-15 equipped with a flash suppressor was tested against both the M14 and the AK-47. The AK-47 was not equipped with a flash suppressor.[188]


who led the colonial army at the battle of bennington

The Battle of Bennington was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, part of the Saratoga campaign, that took place on August 16, 1777, in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles (16Â km) from its namesake Bennington, Vermont. A rebel force of 2,000 men, primarily New Hampshire and Massachusetts militiamen, led by General John Stark, and reinforced by Vermont militiamen led by Colonel Seth Warner and members of the Green Mountain Boys, decisively defeated a detachment of General John Burgoyne's army led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, and supported by additional men under Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich von Breymann.

Battle of Bennington

Friedrich Baum †

Baum's detachment was a mixed force of 700 composed primarily of Hessians but also including small numbers of dismounted Brunswick dragoons, Canadians, Loyalists, and Indians.[7] He was sent by Burgoyne to raid Bennington in the disputed New Hampshire Grants area for horses, draft animals, provisions, and other supplies. Believing the town to be only lightly defended, Burgoyne and Baum were unaware that Stark and 1,500 militiamen were stationed there. After a rain-caused standoff, Stark's men enveloped Baum's position, taking many prisoners, and killing Baum. Reinforcements for both sides arrived as Stark and his men were mopping up, and the battle restarted, with Warner and Stark driving away Breymann's reinforcements with heavy casualties.

The battle was a major strategic success for the American cause and considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War; it reduced Burgoyne's army in size by almost 1,000 men, led his Native-American support to largely abandon him, and deprived him of much-needed supplies, such as mounts for his cavalry regiments, draft animals and provisions; all factors that contributed to Burgoyne's eventual defeat at Saratoga. The victory galvanized colonial support for the independence movement, and played a key role in bringing France into the war on the rebel side. The battle's anniversary is celebrated in the state of Vermont as Bennington Battle Day.

With the American Revolutionary War two years old, the British changed their plans. Giving up on the rebellious New England colonies, they decided to split the Thirteen Colonies and isolate New England from what the British believed to be the more loyal southern colonies.  The British command devised a grand plan to divide the colonies via a three-way pincer movement.[9] The western pincer, under the command of Barry St. Leger, was repulsed when the Siege of Fort Stanwix failed,[10] and the southern pincer, which was to progress up the Hudson valley from New York City, never started since General William Howe decided instead to capture Philadelphia.[11]

The northern pincer, proceeding southward from Montreal, enjoyed the most success.  After the British victories at Hubbardton, Fort Ticonderoga, and Fort Anne, General John Burgoyne proceeded with the Saratoga campaign, with the goal of capturing Albany and gaining control of the Hudson River Valley, where Burgoyne's force could (as the plan went) meet the other pincers, dividing the colonies in two.[9]

Burgoyne's progress towards Albany had initially met with some success, including the scattering of Seth Warner's men in the Battle of Hubbardton. However, his advance had slowed to a crawl by late July, due to logistical difficulties, exacerbated by the American destruction of a key road, and the army's supplies began to dwindle.[12] Burgoyne's concern over supplies was magnified in early August when he received word from Howe that he (Howe) was going to Philadelphia, and was not in fact going to advance up the Hudson River valley.[13] In response to a proposal first made on July 22 by the commander of his German troops, Baron Riedesel,[14] Burgoyne sent a detachment of about 800 troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum from Fort Miller on a foraging mission to acquire horses for the German dragoons, draft animals to assist in moving the army, and to harass the enemy.[12] Baum's detachment was primarily made up of dismounted Brunswick Army dragoons of the Prinz Ludwig regiment. Along the way it was joined by local companies of Loyalists, some Canadians and about 100 Indians, and a company of British sharpshooters.[15] Baum was originally ordered to proceed to the Connecticut River valley where they believed horses could be procured for the dragoons.[16]  However, as Baum was preparing to leave, Burgoyne verbally changed the goal to be a supply depot at Bennington, which was believed to be guarded by the remnants of Warner's brigade, about 400 colonial militia.[17]

Unknown to Burgoyne, the citizens of the New Hampshire Grants territory (which was then disputed between New York and the Vermont Republic) had appealed to the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts for protection from the invading army following the British capture of Ticonderoga.[18] New Hampshire responded on July 18 by authorizing John Stark to raise a militia for the defense of the people "or the annoyance of the enemy".[12][19]  Using funds provided by John Langdon, Stark raised 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen in the space of six days, more than ten percent of New Hampshire's male population over the age of sixteen.[20] They were first marched to the Fort at Number 4 (modern Charlestown, New Hampshire), then crossed the river border into the Grants and stopped at Manchester, where Stark conferred with Warner.[12][18] While in Manchester, General Benjamin Lincoln, whose promotion in preference to Stark had been the cause for Stark's resignation from the Continental Army, attempted to assert Army authority over Stark and his men.[21] Stark refused, stating that he was solely responsible to the New Hampshire authorities.[12] Stark then went on to Bennington with Warner as a guide, while Warner's men remained in Manchester.[4] Lincoln returned to the American camp at Stillwater, where he and General Philip Schuyler hatched a plan for Lincoln, with 500 men, to join with Stark and Warner in actions to harass Burgoyne's communications and supply lines at Skenesboro. Baum's movements significantly altered these plans.[22]

Baum's Germans left Burgoyne's camp at Fort Edward on August 9 and marched to Fort Miller, where they waited until they were joined by the Indians and a company of British marksmen. The company marched off toward Bennington on August 11.[23] In minor skirmishes along the way they learned from prisoners taken that a sizable force was in place at Bennington.[24]  On August 14 Baum's men encountered a detachment of Stark's men that had been sent out to investigate reports of Indians in the area. Stark's men retreated, destroying a bridge to delay Baum's advance. Stark, on receiving word of the approaching force, sent a request to Manchester for support, and then moved his troops out of Bennington toward Baum's force, setting up a defensive line.[4] Baum sent a message to Burgoyne following the first contact indicating that the American force was larger than expected, but that it was likely to retreat before him. He then advanced a few miles further until he neared Stark's position. He then realized that at least part of his first message was incorrect, so he sent a second message to Burgoyne, requesting reinforcements.[25]

It rained for the next day and a half, preventing battle. During this time, Baum's men constructed a small redoubt at the crest of the hill and hoped that the weather would prevent the Americans from attacking before reinforcements arrived.[4] Stark sent out skirmishers to probe the German lines, and managed to kill thirty Indians in spite of the difficulties of keeping their gunpowder dry.[26][27] Reinforcements for both sides marched out on the 15th; travel was quite difficult due to the heavy rains. Burgoyne sent 550 men under Heinrich von Breymann, while Warner's company of about 350 Green Mountain Boys came south from Manchester under Lieutenant Samuel Safford's command.[4][2]

Late on the night of August 15, Stark was awakened by the arrival of Parson Thomas Allen and a band of Massachusetts militiamen from nearby Berkshire County who insisted on joining his force. In response to the minister's fiery threat that his men would never come out again if they were not allowed to participate, Stark is reported to have said, "Would you go now on this dark and rainy night? Go back to your people and tell them to get some rest if they can, and if the Lord gives us sunshine to-morrow and I do not give you fighting enough, I will never call on you to come again."[28] Stark's forces again swelled the next day with the arrival of some Stockbridge Indians, bringing his force (excluding Warner's men) to nearly 2,000 men.[1]

Stark was not the only beneficiary of unexpected reinforcements. Baum's force grew by almost 100 when a group of local Loyalists arrived in his camp on the morning of August 16.[3]

On the afternoon of August 16, the weather cleared, and Stark ordered his men to be ready to attack. Stark is reputed to have rallied his troops by saying they were here to fight for their "natural born rights as Englishmen"[29] and he added "There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow."[30] Upon hearing that the militia had melted away into the woods, Baum assumed that the Americans were retreating or redeploying.[31] However, Stark had decided to capitalize on weaknesses in the German's widely distributed position, and had sent sizable flanking parties to either side of his lines.[4] These movements were assisted by a ruse employed by Stark's men that enabled them to get closer safely without alarming the opposing forces. The Germans, most of whom spoke no English, had been told that soldiers with bits of white paper in their hat were Loyalists, and should not be fired on; Stark's men had also heard this and many of them had suitably adorned their hats.[31]

When the fighting broke out around 3:00 PM the German position was immediately surrounded by gunfire, which Stark described as "the hottest engagement I have ever witnessed, resembling a continual clap of thunder."[32] The Loyalists and Indian positions were overrun, causing many of them to flee or surrender. This left Baum and his Brunswick dragoons trapped alone on the high ground. The Germans fought valiantly even after running low on powder and the destruction of their ammunition wagon. In desperation the dragoons led a sabre charge in an attempt to break through the enveloping forces.  The charge failed horrendously, resulting in massive German casualties and gaining no ground on the rebels. Baum was mortally wounded in this final charge, and the remaining Germans surrendered.[31]

After the battle ended, while Stark's militiamen were busy disarming the prisoners and looting their supplies, Breymann arrived with his reinforcements. Seeing the Americans in disarray, they immediately pressed their attack. After hastily regrouping, Stark's forces tried to hold their ground against the new German onslaught, but began to fall back. Before their lines collapsed, Warner's men arrived on the scene to reinforce Stark's troops. Pitched battle continued until dark, when both sides disengaged. Breymann began a hasty retreat; he had lost one quarter of his force and all of his artillery pieces.[31]

Total German and British losses at Bennington were recorded at 207 dead and 700 captured;[8] American losses included 30 Americans dead and 40 wounded.[6] The battle was at times particularly brutal when Loyalists met Patriots, as in some cases they came from the same communities.[34] The prisoners, who were first kept in Bennington, were eventually marched to Boston.[35]

Burgoyne's army was readying to cross the Hudson at Fort Edward on August 17 when the first word of the battle arrived. Believing that reinforcements might be necessary, Burgoyne marched the army toward Bennington until further word arrived that Breymann and the remnants of his force were returning. Stragglers continued to arrive throughout the day and night, while word of the disaster spread within the camp.[36]

The effect on Burgoyne's campaign was significant. Not only had he lost nearly 1,000 men, of which half were regulars, but he also lost the crucial Indian support. In a council following the battle, many of the Indians (who had traveled with him from Quebec) decided to go home. This loss severely hampered Burgoyne's reconnaissance efforts in the days to come.[8] The failure to bring in nearby supplies meant that he had to rely on supply lines that were already dangerously long, and that he eventually broke in September.[37] The shortage of supplies was a significant factor in his decision to surrender at Saratoga,[38] following which France entered the war.[39]

American Patriots reacted to news of the battle with optimism. Especially after Burgoyne's Indian screen left him, small groups of local Patriots began to emerge to harass the fringes of British positions.[40] A significant portion of Stark's force returned home[41] and did not again become influential in the campaign until appearing at Saratoga on October 13 to complete the encirclement of Burgoyne's army.[42]

John Stark's reward from the New Hampshire General Assembly for "the Memorable Battle of Bennington" was "a compleat suit of Clothes becoming his Rank".[43] A reward that Stark likely valued the highest was a message of thanks from John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, which included a commission as "brigadier in the army of the United States".[43]

The battle forces are generally described as in Morrissey.[5][44] His numbers are generally consistent with other sources on the British units, although there is disagreement across a wide array of sources on the number of troops under Breymann, which are generally listed at either approximately 550 or 650.[4][2] Morrissey is also incorrect in identifying some of the American units. He identifies William Gregg as having a separate command; Gregg apparently led several companies in Nichols' regiment.[45] Morrissey also failed to include the Massachusetts militia,[46] and misidentified Langdon's company, erroneously believing they may have been from Worcester, Massachusetts.[47] (Militia companies from the Worcester area marched on Bennington, with some companies arriving the day after the battle.)[48] Langdon originally raised his company in 1776, but it did not become a cavalry unit until 1778.[49]

New Hampshire militia regiments

Vermont militia regiments

Massachusetts militia regiments

Baum's forces

Breymann's forces

August 16 is a legal holiday in Vermont, known as Bennington Battle Day.[50] The battlefield, now a New York state historic site, was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961, and added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.[51][52] In the 1870s, the local historic society in Bennington commissioned the design and construction of the Bennington Battle Monument, which was complete in 1889 and dedicated in 1891 with ceremonies attended by President Benjamin Harrison. The Monument, an obelisk 306 feet (93Â m) high, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[52][53] Although the monument was not ready in time to mark the centennial of the battle, the 100th anniversary of the battle was marked by speeches attended by President Rutherford B. Hayes.[54]

Every year on Bennington Battle Day there is a firing of the Molly Stark Cannon, the oldest firing cannon in the United States. The cannon was captured at the Battle of Bennington.


who is the new vice president of sierra leone

The vice president of Sierra Leone is the second most influential position in the government of Sierra Leone, after the president. The current Vice President of Sierra Leone is Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, a member of the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party, and he was sworn in as vice president on April 4, 2018, after the victory of him and his presidential running mate running mate in the 2018 Sierra Leone presidential election.

Vice-President of Sierra Leone

The Vice-President of Sierra Leone is the second most senior government official in the executive branch of the Republic of Sierra Leone government after the president. The vice president only constitutional power is the immediate successor to the president of Sierra Leone if the president resigned or is removed from office by the Sierra Leone parliament]. Other than that the power of the vice president depends on the role delegated to the office by the president.

The vice president of Sierra Leone is protected by a special unit of police officers of the operational support division of the Sierra Leone Police.

When Sierra Leone was declared a Republic in 1971 by then Prime Minister Siaka Stevens, the position of Vice-President was created. The first Vice-President was Sorie Ibrahim Koroma.

The functions of the Vice-President are:


who does the voice of pearl on steven universe

Pearl's voice actress, Deedee Magno Hall, started voice acting at a young age for The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. She moved on to do Broadway performances in the 1990s and 2000s, such as Miss Saigon and Wicked, but was contacted by Rebecca Sugar to portray a role in Steven Universe in 2013.[3] Pearl was her first major role in an animated series.[4]

Pearl (Steven Universe)

Pilot (2013)

Pearl is a fictional character from the 2013 animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is a "Gem", a fictional alien being that exists as a magical gemstone projecting a holographic body.

She is portrayed as a loving, gentle and delicate character, who acts as a motherly figure for Steven. However, she also tends to be overprotective with him and has low self-esteem; she is also deeply overwhelmed with the grief caused by the loss of Steven's mother, Rose Quartz, with whom she was in love.

She is frequently praised for being a positive depiction of a queer character, though her strong obsession with Rose has been described as "unhealthy".

Pearl's look was redesigned between the pilot episode of Steven Universe and the first regular episode. Originally having peach hair styled in a quiff and a much more intricate outfit, by "Gem Glow" Pearl had the ballerina-esque design she retains for the first part of season one before her regeneration in "Steven the Sword Fighter".

Alongside Garnet, Amethyst and protagonist Steven, Pearl is one of the Crystal Gems, a group of Gems that protect humanity and the Earth from danger. Pearl has been described as "intense [and] with a laser focus".[5]

In the fictional Gem culture, Pearls are said to be "made-to-order servants" who serve other more important, higher-class Gems. Due to their status as simple servants meant for "standing around and looking nice and holding your stuff", they are seen as status symbols. Pearl displays a strong inferiority complex and issues with self-esteem stemming from the fact that, as a Pearl, she wasn't made to fight and therefore is weaker than others who are, like Amethyst, a Quartz, and Garnet, a fusion. Despite her struggles, Pearl learned to fight and became a formidable swordfighter.[6][7]

Pearl shows to be strongly devoted to Rose Quartz, the mother of Steven and former leader of the Crystal Gems, who "gave up her physical form" so her son could be born. According to Vrai Kaiser of The Mary Sue, Pearl deals with severe unresolved grief, coupled with deep-seated issues with self-worth, resulting in her falling prey to "powerful, impulsive emotions" whenever Rose is mentioned. Naith Payton of PinkNews described Pearl's devotion to Rose as "unhealthy and obsessive". Pearl works to correct these issues, and the show is written in a way that allows watchers to sympathize with her.[8][9]

Ben Bertoli of Kotaku stated that Pearl is a character that a viewer may dislike at the start of the series, but that she becomes more relatable as the story continues and the viewer learns more about her.[10] Sara Goodwin of The Mary Sue even described her as "the most human" of the Gems because of how she struggles with "bitterness, thoughts of inadequacy, and jealousy". Though she stated that Pearl can often be "insufferable", Goodwin likes the character for her humanity and hard work.[7]

In 2014, Deedee Magno won a Behind the Voice Actor Award, in the category "Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series - Comedy/Musical", for her portrayal of Pearl.[11]

Pearl was very positively received for being a lesbian character in an animated series, following a pattern of LGBT themes in animated series such as Adventure Time and The Legend of Korra.[9][12] However, this aspect of her character has also received some criticism: Pearl's jealousy when Rose shows interest in a male character in flashbacks has been described as operating under a "psycho lesbian" trope, which "often casts queer women as... predators of would-be heterosexuals".[8]

A short flashback scene in which Pearl intimately dances with Rose in the episode "We Need to Talk" was controversially censored by Cartoon Network UK for British audiences, as they felt that "the slightly edited version is more comfortable for local kids and their parents".[13][14]


where did disney get the idea for the castle

Cinderella Castle was inspired by a variety of real and fictional palaces. These included Fontainebleau, Versailles and the châteaux of Chenonceau, Pierrefonds, Chambord and Chaumont, as well as Castle Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, the Alcázar of Segovia in Spain and also the Moszna Castle in Poland which was built in the 18th century, in addition to the Tyn Church in Prague, Czech Republic, which was built in the 14th century. The chief designer of the castle, Herbert Ryman, also referenced the original design for the castle in the film Cinderella and his own well-known creation — the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in California.[1]

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle is the fairy tale castle at the center of two Disney theme parks: the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Tokyo Disneyland at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Both serve as worldwide recognized icons and the flagship attraction for their respective theme parks.

Cinderella Castle was completed in July 1971, after about 18 months of construction. The castle is 183 feet (56 m) tall, as measured from water-level. Many sources quote the height as six feet taller, but that is measured from the concrete bottom of the moat, which itself is 6 feet (1.8 m) deep at the bridge. Cinderella Castle is more than 100 feet (30 m) taller than Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. A set-building trick known as forced perspective makes the castle appear even larger than it actually is. At higher elevations, its proportions to full scale are reduced for elements such as stones, windows, and doors. The castle was the largest Disney theme park castle until the completion of the Enchanted Storybook Castle in Shanghai Disneyland Park.

Cinderella Castle is designed to reflect the late-Gothic, flamboyant style of the 1400s. Unlike Disneyland's castle, no gold is used on the exterior; all gold colors are anodized aluminum. Despite appearances, no bricks were used in its construction; the inner structure is constructed of six hundred tons of steel braced frame construction, and a 10-inch-thick (250 mm) reinforced concrete wall encircles the structure to the full height of the outermost stone-like walls. All of the steel and concrete works are supported on a concrete drilled caisson foundation. Much less fiberglass is used than is popularly supposed. Rather, most of the exterior is a thick, very hard fiber-reinforced gypsum plaster that is supported by light-gauge metal studs. Most fiberglass work is reserved for the exterior walls of more ornate upper towers. The roofs are not fiberglass, either. They are shingled in the same type of plastic that computer monitor shells are made from, attached to a cone of light gauge steel sheeting over the steel sub-frame. These towers were lifted by crane, then welded and bolted permanently to the main structure. Contrary to a popular legend, the castle cannot be taken apart or moved in any way in the event of a hurricane. It would take months to disassemble, it would be too dangerous to operate the 300-foot (91 m) crane required in windy conditions, and there would have to be a safer building to keep it in. As with every other building at Walt Disney World, it was simpler and safer to design it to handle a hurricane. It can easily withstand the 125 mph (175 km/h) design wind speeds in Central Florida with a great deal of strength in reserve.

Cinderella Castle is also surrounded by a moat, which contains approximately 3.37 million US gallons (12,800 m3) of water; however, unlike the drawbridge at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, Cinderella Castle cannot raise its bridge. There are a total of 27 towers on the castle, each numbered 1-29—tower numbers 13 and 17 were deleted before construction when it was realized that they could not really be seen from anywhere in the park, due mainly to the other Fantasyland buildings. The tower with the clock in front is number 10, the tallest is number 20. Number 23 is the other golden-roofed tower.

Originally, a suite was planned for the Disney family and executives,[2] but since Walt Disney died nearly five years before the park opened, it remained unfinished, and eventually was turned successively into a telephone call center, a dressing room, and is currently a lavish Dream Suite hotel room for specially selected guests. There are three elevators inside the castle. One is for guest use and goes between the lobby of Cinderella's Royal Table, and the second floor where the restaurant is. The second is for restaurant staff use, and is located in tower 2 to the left of the drawbridge. It has landings in the Utilidors, the mezzanine level in a break room, and on the second floor in the kitchen. The third elevator is in tower 20, and services the Utilidors, the breezeway, the kitchen of Cinderella's Royal Table, and the Cinderella Castle Suite. The suite is about 30 feet (9.1Â m) below the level where the cable that Tinker Bell "flies" on for the fireworks show is attached to tower 20. Access to the cable is by ladder. From January 2007 to December 2009 the suite was used as a prize for the Disney Dreams Giveaway at the Walt Disney World Resort during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.

Cinderella Castle was designed so that it was tall enough that it could be seen from the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom, where many guests took ferries from the parking lot to the gates of the park. In theme park jargon, Cinderella Castle was conceived as the primary "weenie" (a term commonly used by Walt and his Imagineers) that draws new entering guests through Main Street, U.S.A. towards the central hub, from where all other areas can be reached.

The Castle was repainted in the Fall of 2006, and now is a slightly off white, brown, and pinkish color, and the turrets are a much darker blue.

It is generally considered to be a copy of Magic Kingdom's castle, although the Tokyo version is 168 feet (51 m) tall.[3] However, from 1986–2006, a popular walk-through attraction called the "Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour" was featured within the castle. In June 2006, the castle was repainted to differentiate it from Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. The castle now has gold trimmings, the rooftops have been painted a different shade of blue, and the white stone of the turrets now has a tan/dirty-pink color.

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom has been temporarily re-decorated on a few occasions.

For Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary celebration, c.1996

For the Happiest Celebration on Earth

Cinderella Castle during Grad Nite

When the sun sets, the castle is illuminated by SGM Palco LED lighting fixtures placed on different castle levels and surrounding areas, providing an effective range of 16.7 million colors. The castle itself plays a role in the Magic Kingdom's fireworks show, Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams, in which it changes color in synchronization with the dramatic music of the display. The same color changing and effects occurs for the other fireworks shows: HalloWishes (in Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party); Magic, Music and Mayhem (during Disney's Pirate and Princess Party); and the Christmas fireworks show Holiday Wishes during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.[citation needed] The castle's projection mapping technology has been used in several night events, such as the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.

At the park's closing, the nightly 'Kiss Goodnight' is performed, in which Roy O. Disney's dedication speech for the Magic Kingdom is played all over the park alongside classic Disney music which changes with the vivid colors of the castle. Even when the park closes before 11pm (23:00), the show is performed a second time at 11pm (23:00), providing entertainment for guests of Disney resort hotels bordering the Seven Seas Lagoon.[citation needed] Beginning November 2007, for the first time, the "Castle Dream Lights", with over 200,000 LED Christmas lights[4] (as Disneyland Paris has since 2004), covered Cinderella's Castle and was lit nightly during a new stage show in front of the castle. The castle looks similar to ice and is very popular among guests during the holiday season, the only time it is now used.[citation needed]

Iconic moments from Disney films

On January 18, 2011, a nighttime projection mapping show premiered at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. The show featured photographs and videos of park guests, taken by Disney's PhotoPass employees, combined with projections of Disney characters and attractions and pre-selected music.[5] The Magic, the Memories and You show was presented before and after the nightly Wishes fireworks show, and was part of Disney's "Let the Memories Begin" campaign for 2011.[6] A parallel show existed at Disneyland, at the Disneyland Resort, taking place instead on the broad facade of It's a Small World. On September 3, this show ended its run and was replaced by a similar nighttime multimedia show, Celebrate the Magic, in 2012 and again by Once Upon a Time in Fall 2016.

Inside the castle's archway, a series of five mosaic murals tells the story of Cinderella. Designed by Imagineer Dorothea Redmond and crafted and set in place by a team of six artists led by mosaicist Hanns-Joachim Scharff, the 15-by-10-foot (4.6 by 3.0Â m) ornate panels are shaped in a Gothic arch. The murals took 22 months to complete and contain just over 300,000 pieces of Italian glass and rough smalti (glass made specifically for mosaics traditionally used by Italian craftsmen) in more than 500 colors. Many of the hand-cut tiles are fused with sterling silver and 14-karat (58 percent) gold, and some are as small as the head of a tack. Looking closely at these ornate murals, one will notice that each of Cinderella's wicked stepsisters appears with a little added color - one sister's face is clearly "red with anger", while the other is a little "green with envy" as they watch Cinderella try on the glass slipper.

As of September 10, 2007, the castle is home to the "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique", first introduced at Downtown Disney. Inside, guests can receive a one-of-a-kind "princess transformation", which features a Disney Princess make-up, one of three hairstyles, a manicure, a sash, and/or a gown, crown, wand and shoes.

The King's Gallery, the former gift shop in this space, has moved to the Main Street Cinema on Main Street, U.S.A.

Inside the upper levels of Cinderella Castle, there is a suite that was intended to be an apartment for Walt Disney and his family when they were in Florida. After Walt died in 1966, the apartment was left unfinished. This space is not large, and can be compared to the size of a master bedroom and bathroom in an average house. The location of the suite can be identified from the outside by locating the stained glass windows with pictures in the center on the north and west sides of the castle, about 2/3 of the way up. The glass used contains many small, multi-faceted pieces, which slightly obscures the view of the park from inside the suite. The suite adjoins a sizable exterior balcony on the east side. The walls around this balcony are about 5 feet (1.5 m) high. This balcony affords views to the north, east, and south. The balcony is only accessible through an emergency exit and is not a guest area.

On June 7, 2005, it was announced by Disney that the suite would be completely decorated and upholstered as a 'royal bedchamber', which can sleep up to six people. It was available as a prize during the Year of a Million Dreams (2007) celebration taking place at all eleven Disney theme parks, and an overnight stay in the apartment was a prize randomly awarded to a guest at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and Downtown Disney.

Disney describes the apartment this way in their official press release:

Cinderella's Castle Suite is four stories above the surrounding Magic Kingdom -- a salon, bedchamber and bathroom off of a private marble-floored foyer, all replete with rich details:

Fluffy feather comforters beneath the regal canopy draping of two queen beds... A cut-stone bedchamber floor inspired by the mosaic art masterpiece that adorns the castle's breezeway entrance to Fantasyland... A parlor sofa that invites kicking off the shoes and curling up to read a chapter beneath the richly detailed vaulted ceiling of the salon... Familiar castle-gray stone walls, rich hardwood paneling and ornate stained-glass windows.

In the foyer of the suite, guests will discover a design of the fairytale pumpkin coach in the marble floor inlay. A memorable artifact from the story, the famous glass slipper, adorns a cove. And through the doorway, the bedchamber and salon are appointed with furnishings in the style of the era of "the Louies," as Silvestri refers to the French rulers of the period inspiring the castle and Cinderella story. Nooks showcase clocks, porcelain and accessories befitting the period. Doors are richly detailed; the walls are covered with wood panels and wall coverings. In the bathroom, hand-decorated copper basins sit atop the vanity, recalling a time when fresh water was carried to the bedchamber.

Despite all the careful attention to centuries-old details, the amenities of the Cinderella's Castle Suite are definitely 21st century. There's a lavish garden tub plus a shower. There are also wheelchair accessible bathroom and bedroom facilities and elevator access to the suite. As for an ornately framed, 17th-century-style portrait of Cinderella above a regal fireplace in the bedchamber: it magically changes into a modern, 21st-century flat-screen HDTV. Also in the den there is a mirror, but can be turned on to reveal another flat-screen.

Cinderella's Royal Table, formerly known as King Stefan's Banquet Hall, is a restaurant inside the castle. Located on the second floor, guests can take the circular stairway or the elevator to the restaurant, where children are referred to as princes and princesses, while the adults in the party are referred to as lords and ladies. Walt Disney Imagineers had originally wanted to give the restaurant a regal name, and since there are no well-known characters from "Cinderella" that met their criteria, they instead took a little dramatic license and chose the name of Sleeping Beauty's father, King Stefan. The name was changed on April 28, 1997, in order not to confuse tourists. The restaurant is decorated not only with a number of stained glass windows and medieval objects, but with more than forty coats of arms. Each of these is an actual family seal, and represent some of the many people that played a major role in the design and construction of Walt Disney World, including Roger Broggie, Sr. (Imagineer and railroad aficionado who aided in the design of many attractions), Marc Davis (animator and theme park designer), Roy O. Disney (Walt's brother), John Hench (who designed the castle), Diane Disney Miller (Walt's daughter), Dick Nunis (former Chairman of Walt Disney Attractions), and Marty Sklar (Imagineering vice chairman and principal creative executive who worked alongside Walt Disney).

Cinderella's Royal Table is also the location of "Fairytale Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table." At breakfast, lunch and dinner Cinderella greets all guests in the castle foyer, and during the meal classic Disney princesses circulate among the tables.[7]

Cinderellaâ€™s Fairy Tale Hall is located in the castle where Cinderella lives with Prince Charming. Cinderella, wanting to share her magical princess story, decided to open up the castle even during her absence and exhibit various artworks that show scenes from her story. At the lobby and corridor, guests will find eight murals showing how Cinderella changed from beloved daughter, to servant girl, and then to Princess. They will also see a diorama of Cinderella magically transformed into wearing a beautiful ball gown, and other artworks made from various materials such as paper, wood and glass. In the Grand Hall guests will find a magnificent chandelier, the renowned glass slipper, a throne, and special paintings that reveal a magical message when photographed using a flash.

By keeping the height of the castle's spire under 200 feet (61Â m) tall, the castle at Walt Disney World was able to avoid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that would require flashing aircraft warning lights at the top.[8] (The two taller attractions at Walt Disney World, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest, top out at 199 feet to avoid this requirement as well.)

As a result of the September 11 attacks in 2001, amid concerns that general aviation could pose a threat to public safety, the FAA placed a permanent Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the entire Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The flight restriction extends outward from an island near the Contemporary Resort (28°24′45″N 81°34′20″W / 28.41250°N 81.57222°W / 28.41250; -81.57222) at a radius of 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) up to 3,000 feet (910 m) above the ground level surface. Cinderella's Castle is used as a visual reference. Law enforcement and Walt Disney World Cessna 172 aircraft, however, are exempt from this TFR.[9]