Northrop Grumman Prepares Chain Gun for Live Firing Tests

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman plans to build a prototype of its Sky Viper gun for the U.S. Army, which could install the weapons on its helicopters.

The Army, according to a report from Defense News, is in the market for a new 20-millimeter weapons system to outfit future attack reconnaissance aircraft.

The Sky Viper, modeled on the M230 cannons on AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, is a chain gun, which uses a continuous loop of chain drive — similar to a motorcycle or bicycle — and external power to cycle the weapon’s action. Northrop hopes to cut the system’s weight and lower the recoil in order to reduce its load on the aircraft. The company also says the new gun will be more accurate, which would reduce the amount of ammunition needed aboard the aircraft and cut weight even further.

The cannon has completed initial design reviews as well as testing on non-firing prototypes. Northrop hopes to begin full-scale live firing in the late spring or early summer before delivering it to the government. Tests will be conducted at the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Armaments Center, which is funding the effort.

Although the company didn’t share the expected rate of fire, it is expected to be increased from the Apache’s cannons, which shoot about 625 rounds per minute, according to Military.com.

Northrop acquired Orbital ATK — and its Bushmaster chain gun brand — in 2017. The XM915 Gatling gun from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is also reportedly up for consideration by the Army.