Northrop Grumman introduced its next-generation M230 Link Fed (M230LF) Dual Feed Bushmaster 30 mm Chain Gun at the 2024 Association of the US Army (AUSA) exhibition, held in Washington, DC, from 14 to 16 October.
The weapon is the first ever medium-calibre chain gun to offer a dual feed, allowing operators to instantly change ammunition paths with the flip of a switch and eliminating the need for mixed ammunition belts in a single feed. The M230LF can thus be used to seamless switch between ammunition types to address different targets with the most appropriate ammunition, with a standard recommended loadout including XM1211 proximity-fuzed rounds to counter unmanned aerial vehicles and XM1198 high-explosive, dual-purpose rounds to target armoured vehicles and other ground targets.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 6, the M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster will undergo live-fire demonstrations that are currently scheduled for early 2025.
For operators already using the M230LF, the Dual Feed Bushmaster loads out at a similar weight to the single-feed M230LF and features 60% part commonality, leading to faster routine repairs and decreased down time for maintenance.
Single-feed M230LF cannons will continue to be produced for customers that prefer that option, Northrop Grumman noted.
