Northrop Boosts Firepower with Advanced Chain Gun Tech

Northrop Grumman has just upped the ante with its latest upgrade to the Bushmaster chain gun, introducing the M230LF, a weapon that promises to make a big impact on both air and ground missions.

This new iteration of the Bushmaster is no small tweak as it’s been upgraded reportedly with a dual-feed capability, allowing operators to switch between two types of ammunition on the fly—giving more flexibility, faster engagement times, and more lethality when it counts.

But before we dive into the bells and whistles of the M230LF, let’s take a step back and look at the impressive journey of this weapon.

A Little Backstory on the Bushmaster Chain Gun

For the past 25 years, the M230 Bushmaster Chain Gun has been the go-to weapon mounted on the iconic AH-64 Apache helicopter. If you’ve seen footage of the Apache in action, chances are you’ve witnessed the M230’s handiwork.

Originally developed as a 30mm chain gun for air support, it has gained quite a reputation for being deadly, reliable, and effective.

The demand for such firepower wasn’t going to be limited to the skies for long. Ground forces soon saw the potential of this weapon, and before long, Northrop Grumman started to develop a ground-based variant.

Enter the M230LF, a 30mm medium-caliber cannon with a whole new set of tricks designed for lightweight ground vehicles.

From Air to Ground: Why the M230LF?

So, why did ground troops want an Apache-style gun at their disposal? The answer is pretty simple—combat effectiveness.

The M230 had a reputation for getting the job done, with high kill rates and devastating impact. It was only a matter of time before ground troops said, “Hey, we could use this kind of firepower down here!”

The M230LF was born out of that request, designed specifically for lightweight ground platforms.

It’s a perfect fit for vehicles like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the Stryker, and the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

What makes the M230LF so special is how it brings the same level of firepower to the ground that had previously been reserved for the skies.

The Latest and Greatest: M230LF’s Dual-Feed System

Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the dual-feed system. With this new upgrade, the M230LF allows operators to switch between two types of ammo in the middle of a mission.

Think about that for a second—no need to stop and reload with a different kind of round; you can just hit a switch and keep firing.

Our M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster® Chain Gun® is the first 30x113mm chain gun in the world to allow operators to switch between two ammunition feed paths with a single switch, delivering dynamic performance against evolving threats. See the Bushmaster® at #AUSA24.… pic.twitter.com/JbZG2zBTXC

— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) October 9, 2024

One of the ammunition options includes the XM1211 proximity-fused rounds, designed to take down drones and other airborne threats. This tech is pretty cool because these rounds don’t need a direct hit—they explode near the target, causing enough damage to take out the drone. If the round doesn’t detect a target, it self-destructs to avoid collateral damage.

The second option is the XM1198 high-explosive, dual-purpose rounds, which are fantastic for anti-armor missions.

Together, these two ammo types cover a wide range of threats, making the M230LF adaptable to various combat scenarios.

“Using advanced technology combined with five decades of battle-proven experience, this next-generation cannon will empower operators to quickly respond to threats.”
—Dave Fine, Northrop Vice President of Armament Systems

Technical Specs and What Sets It Apart

In terms of design, the M230LF shares about 60 percent of its parts with the original single-feed version.

That’s important because it means operators won’t need to go through extensive retraining, and maintenance is a breeze—most of the system is already familiar to those who’ve worked with the older versions.

One of the more impressive upgrades is how Northrop Grumman shaved off some serious weight, reducing the gun turret’s weight from 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) to about 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms).

That’s no small feat, and it’s a game-changer when you’re trying to mount this thing on lightweight ground vehicles.

Northrop also lengthened the barrel to boost muzzle velocity, which was necessary to make up for the lack of altitude that ground-based firing lacks compared to air-based platforms.

And let’s not forget about stability—the M230LF has enhanced recoil management, meaning less kickback and more accurate shots.

On top of all that, Northrop added an anti-hangfire safety mechanism to the design. This is particularly crucial for ground operators who sit close to the weapon and need that extra layer of protection. Safety and reliability are baked into this design, and it shows.

Field Deployment and Future Impact

It’s no surprise that the M230LF has already been fielded by both United States and international military forces.

The gun is currently in service on over 1,400 platforms worldwide, including the US Army’s M-SHORAD (maneuver short-range air defense) program and the US Marine Corps’ MADIS (Marine Air Defense Integrated System) program. It’s clear that this weapon isn’t just a prototype; it’s battle-tested and here to stay.

So, what’s next for the M230LF? Northrop Grumman is taking it to the next level by featuring the weapon at the Association of the US Army’s annual conference. This is where the military showcases its latest tech, and there’s no doubt that the M230LF will be a highlight.

With its dual-feed system and unmatched flexibility, it’s a weapon that’s set to redefine how ground forces engage threats in the 21st century.

A Game-Changer for Modern Combat

In the world of military hardware, the M230LF represents a significant leap forward. Its evolution from the skies to the ground has transformed it into a versatile and powerful tool for today’s combat missions.

With features like the dual-feed system and advanced proximity-fused ammunition, this weapon is perfectly equipped to handle the growing threats posed by drones and armored vehicles alike.

Whether it’s taking out an unmanned aircraft or delivering precision strikes against armored targets, the M230LF is ready for whatever the battlefield throws its way. Northrop Grumman has once again proven that when it comes to innovation, their chain gun is second to none.

And with the M230LF, they’ve set a new standard for medium-caliber cannons—one that’s going to change how ground forces engage the enemy for years to come.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.