Derrick Henry
Northrop Grumman has unveiled the next-generation M230 Link Fed Bushmaster Chain Gun, designed to counter uncrewed aerial system threats and support ground engagements.
The M230LF boasts a dual-feed system that allows gun operators to seamlessly switch between ammunition paths and address targets with different ammunition types, Northrop said Wednesday.
The company recommended XM1211 proximity fuzed rounds for C-UAS and XM1198 high explosive rounds for anti-armor capability as standard ammunition loads.
The gun’s two ammunition feed paths deliver increased mission lethality, reduce logistical burdens and allow more engagements before reloading the system.
The dual-feed M230LF has a 60 percent parts commonality with its single-feed version, thus supporting faster maintenance services for the systems, Northrop noted, adding that the single-feed cannons will remain available for customers that prefer the variant.
“This chain gun is the latest in our Bushmaster line to deliver reliable, multi-mission capabilities addressing the evolving threat environment,” Dave Fine, vice president of armament systems at Northrop, said in a statement.
At present, the new chain gun system is at technology readiness level six and scheduled for live fire demonstrations in early 2025.
