Northrop presents the M230LF universal chain gun

10 October, 2024 EOS R400 with M230LF chain gun. Photo credits: Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman has presented a modification of the M230LF Dual Feed chain gun with dual ammunition that can simultaneously engage air and ground targets.

The news was published on the company's website. The M230LF is a 30x113 mm automatic cannon designed for use on aircraft platforms and mounted on AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. Due to its low weight of about 60 kg and low recoil impulse, its ground modifications are actively used on light armored vehicles to enhance firepower or as an anti-aircraft gun with airburst munitions.

One of the main limiting factors in choosing a target for the gun was the single-channel ammunition supply system. In the new M230LF modification, this problem has been solved by installing a dual loading system allowing quick switching between conventional XM1198 high-explosive fragmentation munitions and XM1211 controlled detonation munitions. The company stated that the development is already at a level of technological preparedness that makes it possible to conduct demonstration firing, scheduled for early 2025.

The M230LF is used on many ground combat vehicles to fight ground targets. These include JLTV, Bushmaster, and AMPV armored fighting vehicles.

In addition, it is equipped with M-LIDS and M-SHORAD anti-aircraft systems. These systems are used directly on the battlefield or in the surrounding areas, where they may encounter both enemy forces and their reconnaissance and strike drones. Combining the tasks in the new universal artillery system will expand the potential of these vehicles and increase their effectiveness and autonomy on the battlefield.

M-SHORAD with FIM-92 Stinger missiles installed.

Photo: DVIDS

M230LF in Ukraine

Ukraine already uses Slinger anti-drone systems equipped with M230LF cannons that use airburst munitions against aerial targets. They are capable of hitting DJI Matrice quadcopters at a distance of 1.4 km and DJI Phantom at a range of 1 km. The optoelectronic system's target detection range is 12 km using the daytime channel and 13.7 km using the nighttime channel.

The Slinger anti-drone system based on the GMS Sierra civilian vehicle.

Photo by EOS

The first batch of ten units was to be delivered to the Ukrainian military at the end of last year.

The total number of ordered systems is about 160 units.