Part of the alleged reliability issues with the M4 carbine seem to stem from the absence of a systematic preventative maintenance program. Individuals change oil in their vehicles at 3 months or 15K miles, take the vehicle back to the servicing dealer for a periodic maintenance based on elapsed miles. We do that to ensure that catastrophic failures are prevented.

Weapon systems, require the same systematic approach and judicious field maintenance if they are to function reliably, so when FN announced the “Black Box”  I felt it would provide the same functionality as an odometer; opening the door to a more systematic approach to weapon maintenance.

I recently reached out to FN for some details on the Black Box. I specifically requested that they not disclose proprietary information. Below, I’ve listed my questions with FN’s response.

FOG HORN: With regards to the Black Box’s operation. Is it acoustic or impulse (meaning that it detects the operation of the rifles action)?

FN: The FN Black Box uses a proprietary process that makes it independent of the recoil level; it is based on the analysis of the dynamic signature of the rifle.  It has a bidirectional communication interface and can store maintenance operation data. Except for recording maintenance operations, it requires no operator input or action.

FOG HORN:  I assume that it can be programmed for the weapon’s serial number.

FN: Yes

FOG HORN: How much data can it collect and is it stored in a circular file. If memory is full what happens?

FN: The FN Black Box is a molded module that features a non-replaceable battery with a recording capacity of 100,000 rounds. When the FN Black Box needs to be replaced, all data recorded on the FN Black Box can be saved so no data gets lost.

FOG HORN: Who is using them and in what quantities?

FN: Product currently under development.

FOG HORN: Is there a PC based application that collects the data., correlates it and provides analysis or diagnostic reports?

FN: A Data Collection Device (DCD) has been developed. It can reactivate the FN Black Box (in standby mode when not firing), read and/or download the data stored on the FN Black Box. An armorer software, currently under development, will allow analyses to be carried out for maintenance purposes, etc.

FOG HORN: Do you have a sample of the software and a shot counter that I could take a look at?

FN: Not currently.

I’d like to see the Black Box implemented and operational system wide because it’s the only way to ensure that critical system components are serviced or replaced using a systematic approach based on manufacturer’s RCBF (round count between failure) for all system components. Without a system in place that makes a proactive maintenance schedule feasible reliability issues will continue to be issues regardless of the weapon system.

I want to thank the folks at FN for helping us out with our query.