Bushmaster III#50 mm version
{{refimprove|date=January 2011}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name = Bushmaster III
|image = CV90 photo-003.JPG
|image_size = 300
|caption = CV9035 in Dutch service
|origin = United States
|type = Automatic cannon
|is_ranged = yes
|is_artillery = yes
|service = 2008–present{{cite web |title=35mm Bushmaster III |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/284-35mm+Bushmaster+III |website=WeaponSystems.net |access-date=28 February 2022}}
|used_by = Danish Defence, Armed forces of the Netherlands, Estonian Defence Forces
|wars =
|designer =
|design_date =
|manufacturer = Alliant Techsystems (now Northrop Grumman)
|unit_cost =
|production_date = 1998–present
|number =
|variants =
|spec_label =
|weight = Total: {{Convert|480|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
Barrel: {{Convert|250|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|length = {{Convert|158.19|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
|part_length =
|width =
|height =
|diameter =
|crew =
|cartridge =35 × 228 mm
50 × 228 mm (XM913)
50 × 319 mm
|caliber = {{convert|35|mm|abbr=on}}
|barrels =
|action = Chain gun: open bolt, forward ejection
|rate = Cyclic: 200 rounds/minute
|velocity = {{Convert|1180|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} /s
|range =
|max_range =
|feed = Dual linked and linkless, 24 volts
|sights =
}}
The Bushmaster III is a 35 mm automatic/semi-automatic cannon designed and built by Alliant Techsystems, based on the 25 mm M242 Bushmaster. The weapon has been selected as primary armament for the CV9035 export versions of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) currently in service with the Danish, Dutch and Estonian armies.{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/05/mil-050504-atk01.htm|title = ATK Awarded $40 Million Bushmaster III Chain Gun Contract}}{{cite web|last1=Larrinaga, de|first1=Nicholas|title=Estonia receives first CV90 IFVs|url=http://www.janes.com/article/64491|website=IHS Jane's 360|accessdate=10 October 2016|date=10 October 2016}} The Bushmaster III is a chain gun, like the other members of the Bushmaster family, which grants it great dependability and safety from ammunition cook-off even though it does result in lower rates of fire. The caliber is the NATO standard 35×228 introduced by the Oerlikon KD in the 1950s.
50 mm version
{{main|XM913 chain gun}}
The U.S. Army is testing the Bushmaster 50 mm cannon as a counter rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) and counter unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) weapon. Initially developed under the Extended Area Protection and Survivability Integrated Demonstration (EAPS ID), it fires a 50×319 mm cartridge and has been successfully tested in tracking distant moving targets using interferometric radar as a sensor, fire control computer, and radio frequency transmitter and receiver to launch a course-correcting projectile. The command guided interceptors have a thruster that receives commands for maneuvering and warhead detonation, with a tantalum-tungsten alloy liner to form forward propelled penetrators to defeat C-RAM targets, and steel body fragments to destroy UAVs.[https://www.army.mil/article/147180/Third_armaments_revolution_set_to_unfold/ Third armaments revolution set to unfold] – Army.mil, 24 April 2015[https://www.army.mil/article/151792/Innovative_Army_technology_gains_new_potential/ Innovative Army technology gains new potential] – Army.mil, 9 July 2015 The systems can destroy UAVs at a range of {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on}} and at a height of {{convert|1,500|m|ft|abbr=on}}.[http://www.army.mil/article/156634/Army_engineers_demonstrate_anti_drone_technology/ Army engineers demonstrate anti-drone technology] – Army.mil, 5 October 2015 Converting the Bushmaster III to the 50 mm version can be accomplished by changing the barrel and a few key parts allowing it to fire the SuperShot 50 cartridge.{{cite web |url=https://euro-sd.com/2020/02/articles/16035/racing-towards-calibre-growth-medium-calibre-cannon-and-ammunition/ |title=Racing Towards Calibre Growth – Medium Calibre Cannon and Ammunition |date=7 February 2020 |work=European Security & Defense}}
Separately, under the Army's Advanced Lethality and Accuracy System for Medium Caliber (ALAS-MC) effort, Northrop Grumman (which had acquired Alliant Techsystems) was contracted to develop a 50 mm derivative of the Bushmaster III called the XM913 for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV), later designated the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV), that would replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Although a further evolution of the Bushmaster III, this weapon fires the 50×228 mm cartridge rather than the 50×319 mm SuperShot 50 cartridge of the previous up-gunned variant. Various rounds include the XM1203 armor piercing sabot round and XM1204 high explosive round with a programmable fuse including delay and airburst.{{cite web |last=Roque |first=Ashley |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/northrop-grumman-charges-on-with-xm913-50-mm-cannon-deliveries-to-us-army |title=Northrop Grumman charges on with XM913 50 mm cannon deliveries to US Army |work=Janes Defense |date=4 September 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/defence-security-industry-technology/northrop-grumman-xm913-future-50mm-automatic-cannon-for-next-generation-ifv-of-us-army |title=Northrop Grumman XM913 future 50mm automatic cannon for next generation IFV of US Army |work=Army Recognition |date=13 September 2020}}
Specifications
- Recoil: 14,000 lb (6300 kg)
- Weight:
:Receiver: 150 lb (68 kg)
:Feeder: 80 lb (36 kg)
:Barrel: 250 lb (113 kg1)
:Total: 480 lb (218 kg)
- Rate of Fire: Semi-automatic or 200 rpm
- Power Required: {{convert|3.0|hp}} at 24 volts
- Clearing Method: Open Bolt, semi-closed bolt
- Safety: Absolute hangfire protection
- Case Ejection: Forward
1 Includes gun barrel, drive motor, recoil system and integral dual feeder.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.orbitalatk.com/defense-systems/armament-systems/automatic-cannons-chain-guns/docs/Bushmaster_III_Fact_Sheet.pdf Alliant Techsystems (ATK) Bushmaster III Automatic Cannon Fact Sheet]
- http://www.deagel.com/pandora/m242-bushmaster-iii_de00142003.aspx
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Alliant Techsystems}}
{{Chain guns}}