The XM30 programme is designed to replace the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and to significantly increase soldiers’ capabilities in future combat. According to Northrop Grumman, the XM913 is intended to deliver greater lethality, accuracy and range, including effective fire on the move.
Deliveries of the XM913 cannons have already begun to the Combat Capabilities Development Command, which will provide them as Government Furnished Equipment to both prime contractors. These are American Rheinmetall Vehicles and General Dynamics Land Systems, which are responsible for building competing XM30 prototypes.
“The 50mm cannon is a critical component to the ICV’s future and is instrumental in helping the U.S. Army regain the lethality the Armor Brigade Combat Teams need to win the next fight and every fight after that,” said John McCollum, director of business development for the Guns Operating Unit at Northrop Grumman. He added that the system plays a central role in restoring combat overmatch for U.S. mechanised forces.
The XM913 fires 50×228 mm ammunition and features dual-feed and first-round select capabilities, allowing rapid switching between High Explosive Air Bursting and Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot rounds. It is the largest medium-calibre chain gun produced by Northrop Grumman and represents an evolution of earlier Bushmaster designs, while retaining training and maintenance commonality with the long-serving 25 mm M242 used on the Bradley for the past four decades.
