30mm Bushmaster II
Overview
Bushmaster II
A Bushmaster II with 30mm barrel and two slot muzzle brake.
Source: Alliant Techsystems -
© copyright lies with original owner
Mk 44 (US Navy service)
XM813 (US Army service)
United Kingdom
Switzerland
Singapore
Norway
Description
Introduction
The Bushmaster II is a modern era autocannon of US origin. The Bushmaster II is a scaled up version of the original Bushmaster chain driven autocannon. It has a 60% parts commonality with the original Bushmaster.
Design
The Bushmaster II fires the 30x173mm NATO round. It can also be configured to fire the 30x170mm Rarden round or the 40mm Super Forty ammunition. In practice this was never done. The 30mm Bushmaster model can be identified by its two slot muzzle brake.
Firepower
Ammunition options include HEI and APDS. As a dual feed weapon the type of ammunition can be quickly changed. Rate of fire can be selected as single shot or automatic with 100 or 200 rpm cyclic rate of fire.
Platforms
The Bushmaster II is mainly used in land based applications. Several tracked and wheeled infantry fighting vehicles are armed with the Bushmaster II. In addition there are naval self-defense mounts that are fitted with the Bushmaster II. The AC-130U aerial gunship was to be retrofitted with Bushmaster II, although these plans were shelved.
Details
Platforms
(note: incomplete list)
KTO Rosomak
The infantry fighting vehicle variant Rosomak-M1 is armed with a 30mm Bushmaster II autocannon in an OTO Melara Hitfist 30P turret.
30mm DS30M Mark II
The DS30M naval self-defense mount is armed with the Bushmaster II. This replaces the Oerlikon KCB in the earlier DS30B.
Related articles
25mm Bushmaster
The Bushmaster II is a scaled up version of the older and widely used 25mm Bushmaster.
35mm Bushmaster III
The 35mm Bushmaster III is an even larger model of the in the Bushmaster line-up. It is chambered for 35x228mm NATO.
30mm Hispano-Suiza HS.831
The HS.831 and Oerlikon KCB introduced the 30x173mm cartridge used in the Bushmaster II. The HS.831 series has a much higher rate of fire and are gas operated. This makes them more suitable in the anti-aircraft role, but often overpowered and less practical for vehicle use.