Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
Northrop Grumman’s 50mm XM913 Chain Gun on a test stand for range trials. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.
Northrop Grumman has confirmed that the US Army has now ordered a total of 16 of its latest-generation 50mm XM913 Bushmaster Chain Guns (CGs) for testing on the force’s planned new combat vehicle.
This weapon was developed by the company in close cooperation with Picatinny Arsenal and leverages the earlier 35mm Bushmaster III in service with Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands and selected by Sweden, all for use on the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90.
As well as being for US Army testing, the 50mm XM913s are being provided to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and Rheinmetall American Vehicles which
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?]()
Can Iranian air defence systems compete for exports?
Iran’s defence industry is now producing a range of surface-to-air missile systems and has begun to market them internationally. Using what appears to be a mixture of original and reverse-engineered elements, how do they stack up compared to other countries’ offerings?
-
![Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year]()
Land forces review: howitzers in the spotlight and Germany spends big to close the year
December saw several milestones on the howitzer front with billions of dollars worth of orders placed and Germany committing to more 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles. Taiwan was also approved for equipment orders worth $11 billion even as the year came to an end with China encircling the country as part of an exercise.
-
![Supply of new self-propelled guns is rising to meet looming demand]()
Supply of new self-propelled guns is rising to meet looming demand
As the need for self-propelled artillery continues to climb across Europe and NATO-allied nations, orders for existing capabilities continue to roll in while new and improved weapons are on the way.
