Bushmaster III
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.[2][3] 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.
| Bushmaster III | |
|---|---|
CV9035 in Dutch service | |
| Type | Automatic cannon |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008–present[1] |
| Used by | Danish Defence, Armed forces of the Netherlands, Estonian Defence Forces |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Alliant Techsystems |
| Produced | 1998–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Total: 480 lb (218 kg) Barrel: 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Length | 158.19 in (4,018 mm) |
| Shell | 35×228mm 50×228mm |
| Caliber | 35mm |
| Action | Chain gun: open bolt, forward ejection |
| Rate of fire | Cyclic: 200 rounds/minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,180 m (3,871 ft) /s |
| Feed system | Dual linked and linkless, 24 volts |
50 mm version
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 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.[4][5] The systems can destroy UAVs at a range of 1 km (0.62 mi) and at a height of 1,500 m (4,900 ft).[6]
The caliber is the NATO standard 35x228 introduced by the Oerlikon KD in the 1950s. Bushmaster III can be converted to a caliber of 50×228 mm, which involves changing the barrel and a few key parts, to use the SuperShot 50 cartridge.
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: 3.0 horsepower (2.2 kW) 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
- ^ "35mm Bushmaster III". WeaponSystems.net. WeaponSystems.net. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
- ^ "ATK Awarded $40 Million Bushmaster III Chain Gun Contract".
- ^ Larrinaga, de, Nicholas (10 October 2016). "Estonia receives first CV90 IFVs". IHS Jane's 360. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
- ^ Third armaments revolution set to unfold – Army.mil, 24 April 2015
- ^ Innovative Army technology gains new potential – Army.mil, 9 July 2015
- ^ Army engineers demonstrate anti-drone technology – Army.mil, 5 October 2015
External links
- Alliant Techsystems (ATK) Bushmaster III Automatic Cannon Fact Sheet
- http://www.deagel.com/pandora/m242-bushmaster-iii_de00142003.aspx