Northrop Grumman is to deliver latest ammunition capability for the 30mm XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun. Credit: Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman has been contracted for the development of a next-generation ammunition capability for the US Army.

Awarded by the US Army’s Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM-MAS), the contract will see the company deliver a new airburst cartridge.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The latest ammunition capability is for the 30mm XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun.

Northrop Grumman armament systems vice-president Dan Olson said: “Northrop Grumman is leading the way in developing new ammunition types that provide existing gun systems with increased capabilities to defeat difficult targets ranging from threat drones to targets in defilade positions.

“Our air bursting technology is proven and the addition of this new round will provide the army with an even more capable gun system for our soldiers.”

The initial contract will cover engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase and the system’s final qualification by the US Army.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The contact set fuse design of the 30mm × 173mm airburst cartridge has three modes. They are Programmable Airburst, Point Detonation and Point Detonation with Delay.

The new gun system is designed to increase the platform’s current .50-caliber machine gun’s range by almost two folds.

With the new airburst cartridge, the system will allow the crew to counter peer and near-peer enemy threat systems.

During missions, 30mm airburst ammunition will assist soldiers in defeating difficult targets on the battlefield.

Additionally, Northrop Grumman will commence the delivery of the first airburst type cartridge for the US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) fleet.

Recently, the Germany-based IVC fleet was installed with the 30mm Bushmaster Chain Gun.

The new cartridge will also support other US Army units, including the future Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.