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XM913 chain gun.
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—The U.S. Army wants to adapt its XM913 50mm cannon to counter drones as the service presses for cheaper options to take down the threats.
The service on Aug. 10 released a solicitation to integrate the gun into a system that can track and shoot down Group 1-3 uncrewed aircraft systems. The solicitation, from the Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems, is to support a potential development program and demonstration efforts, although no requirements have been set yet. Responses are due by Aug. 24.
The Army selected the Picatinny Arsenal-designed XM913 chain gun for its Next Generation Combat Vehicle.
Along with the solicitation and to coincide with the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium here, companies are showcasing their proposals to use new ammunition for counter UAS. Northrop Grumman, for example, released a breakdown of its plans to use the Bushmaster family of chain guns and proximity ammunition for the role. The company’s M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun has been integrated with Saab’s Trackfire weapon on a combat boat, with operators able to switch ammunition types based on the need, although the XM1198 high-explosive round and XM1211 proximity-fuzed rounds are 30x113mm.
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