Northrop Grumman's XM913 50mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun® is in production and designed to be the primary weapon on the U.S. Army’s XM30, providing increased lethality, accuracy and range for stationary and fire on-the-move capability.
The XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) program is replacing the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and is designed to increase soldiers’ capabilities for the future fight.
The XM913 deliveries have begun to DEVCOM/US Army who provides the cannons as Government Furnished Equipment to both Primes, American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), in support of the program.
“The 50mm cannon is a critical component to the ICV’s future and is instrumental in helping the U.S. Army regain the lethality the Armor Brigade Combat Teams need to win the next fight and every fight after that,” John McCollum, director, business development, Guns Operating Unit at Northrop Grumman.
Photo credits: Left: Animated rendering of GDLS’s Griffin III – Armored Vehicle with the XM913 Bushmaster Chain Gun as the primary weapon. Right: Animated rendering Rheinmetall’s Lynx – Infantry Fighting Vehicle with the XM913 Bushmaster Chain Gun as the primary weapon.
Engaging Battlefield Threats
The XM913 will solidify battlefield advantage with its ability to fire 50x228mm advanced ammunition. With dual feed, first round select capabilities, the XM913 ensures soldiers have the most effective ammunition to engage battlefield threats. The advanced ammunition suite includes High Explosive Air Bursting (HEAB) and Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS).
The XM913 is the largest medium caliber chain gun manufactured by Northrop Grumman and is an evolution of the MK44S and Bushmaster III cannons. The XM913 enhances position feedback and velocity sensing, which allows for full flexibility on firing rates to achieve vehicle load-out options and engagements.
Providing Superior Armaments
The M242 25x137mm Bushmaster Chain Gun has been the main weapon on the M2 Bradley IFV’s supporting the Armor Brigade Combat Teams for the last 40 years. By upgrading the XM30 Mechanized ICV to the XM913, U.S. Army soldiers will have weapon training and maintenance commonality for low-risk and rapid readiness capabilities.
The XM913 continues the Bushmaster Chain Gun legacy of providing superior armaments to those who defend our nation’s security.