USA is Testing 50 mm Cannon for New Infantry Fighting Vehicle to Replace Bradley

The US Army has ordered 16 XM913 Bushmaster Chain Guns of 50 mm caliber from Northrop Grumman to support the competition for the new XM30 infantry fighting vehicle.

Deliveries have already begun to Army test units, Army Recognition reports.

The XM30, which received a new designation after the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program, is an attempt by the US Army to go beyond the modernization capabilities of the M2 Bradley.

In the contracts, the XM30 is described as a transformational replacement with increased firepower, survivability and upgradeability due to its modular architecture.

The XM913 is the largest medium-caliber weapon in Northrop Grumman’s Bushmaster line and uses 50×228 mm ammunition. Its external drive and controlled cycle provide reliable and consistent firing on the move.

The XM913 gun is already being integrated into the XM30 prototypes from GDLS and Rheinmetall. Its weight is about 314 kg, which allows the system to be installed on large IFVs and other heavy platforms.

In October 2019, Northrop Grumman unveiled the Bushmaster XM913 50 mm cannon at the AUSA defense exhibition and conference. The XM913 is based on the proven Bushmaster III 35/50 design.

As a reminder, in 2021, the US Army tested the LAV 700 8×8 combat vehicle with the XM913 50 mm cannon.

The new combat vehicle was tested as part of the Convergence 21 project. The purpose of this project is to test modern advanced developments with the possibility of further procurement for the army.

Later, in November 2022, BAE Systems announced its partners in the development of a next-generation combat vehicle for the US Army.

Elbit America, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, and QinetiQ joined the project of the new BMP.

Elbit is providing its new UT50 unmanned turret with the 50 mm cannon for the new BMP. This turret has versatile weapon configurations with different payloads and capabilities and has recently completed a successful live-fire demonstration.

The UT50 turret is equipped with the 50 mm XM913 cannon and the high-capacity ammunition handling system.