Big Bada Boom
Northrop Grumman brought along its BUSHMASTER line of Chain Guns, showcasing the MK52 7.62mm, MK44 30mm and M230 30mm alongside a selection of its large calibre ammunition.
Alongside providing details about their expertise in providing integrated logistics and training packages for medium-calibre cannons, Northrop Grumman produces a complete family of large-calibre tactical and target practice ammunition that is accurate and lethal in anti-armour, anti-material, air defence and shipboard defence applications. Being the primary developer and leading producer of 120mm tank ammunition for the US Army and Marine Corps since the ABRAMS tank integrated 120mm guns more than 30 years ago, company officials disclosed to MONCh that they sold Armour Piercing and Training Rounds to Algeria.
With MK44 sales to Malaysia, Oman, Peru and the UK, the company told Euronaval Dailies that its MK 52 7.62mm Chain Gun was chosen as part of the MK 38 Mod 2 Coaxial Gun by the US Navy. The gun proved to be very durable, reliable and accurate and is now operated fleet wide with the navy and the US Coast Guard.
Examples of uses inclde the US Navy’s LPD-17 USS San Antonio employing the Mk46 30mm two-axis stabilised chain gun and MSI Defence Systems who integrated Northtop Grumman’s 30/40mm Mk44 BUSHMASTER onto MSI’s DS30M Mk2 Naval Mounting. The UK Royal Navy ordered a total of 26 systems for the Type 23 frigate.