Effector
operational
In service: 2021

XM914 Chain Gun

Northrop Grumman
United States

30mm medium-caliber autocannon mounted on mobile air defense vehicles, utilizing proximity-fused ammunition for counter-UAS engagements.

XM914 Chain Gun

System Overview

What It Is

The XM914 is a 30mm chain gun mounted on mobile air defense platforms like M-SHORAD and MADIS, providing kinetic defeat capability against small drones using advanced proximity-fused ammunition.

How It Works

The gun fires XM1198 proximity-fused rounds that are programmed just before firing with the target's range. The rounds detonate near the target, releasing shrapnel that destroys the drone without requiring a direct hit.

Primary Capability

High-volume kinetic defense against Group 1-2 UAS using programmable proximity-fused ammunition.

Overview

The XM914 30mm chain gun provides the kinetic backbone of the Army's M-SHORAD and Marine Corps' MADIS systems.

Proximity-Fused Ammunition

The key to the XM914's C-UAS effectiveness is the XM1198 ammunition that detonates at programmed distance, using shrapnel pattern to destroy drone without direct hit.

Technical Specifications

  • 30mm caliber
  • 200 rounds/min rate of fire
  • XM1198 proximity-fused ammo
  • Programmable airburst capability
  • Vehicle-mounted

Compatible Platforms

Stryker (M-SHORAD)
JLTV (MADIS)

Deployed By

US Army
US Marine Corps

Key Features

  • Programmable ammunition
  • Proximity airburst capability
  • High rate of fire
  • Effective against small UAS
  • Deep magazine

Advantages

  • Lower cost per engagement than missiles
  • Large ammunition capacity
  • Effective against swarming threats
  • Dual-use against ground targets

Limitations

  • Slower rate of fire than Gatling systems
  • Limited range vs missiles
  • Ammunition logistics

Related Systems

M-SHORAD
MADIS
Stinger FIM-92