New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
Rendering of an 8x8 High Mobility Range Vehicle. (Image: IDV)
The Common Tactical Truck (CTT) competition, in which the US Army is replacing more than 7,000 heavy and medium transport trucks with more fuel-efficient vehicles, has attracted a new entrant.
AM General announced on 10 October, during the opening day of the AUSA 2022 exhibition in Washington DC, that it is teamed with Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) to offer a CTT solution called the High Mobility Range Vehicle.
The two companies have already submitted a Request for Propotype Proposal as a preliminary step to vie for the CTT programme.
They face competition from American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense with the HX3-CTT.
AM General and IDV are offering a newly launched highly modular range of trucks (from 4x4 to 10x10), specifically designed for military use. The modularity of the High Mobility Range Vehicles ‘ensures a high level of commonality’ to reduce the logistical footprint as envisaged under the CTT programme.
Both companies already supply the US military with heavy vehicles: AM General produces 2.5t and 5t trucks, while IDV is involved in the Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme for the USMC.
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
KNDS Deutschland has fitted a tracked RCH 155 with a new KNDS France 155mm/58cal ordnance, opening a potential path towards significantly longer-range artillery and a future beyond the current NATO standard.
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.