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Personnel from the ASX-listed defence and aerospace company have completed training on the Northrop Grumman-built Mk44S Bushmaster.
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EOS Defence Systems personnel have wrapped up two weeks of training on the operation and maintenance of Northrop Grumman’s Mk44S Bushmaster Chain Gun (30mm x 173 cannon) – integrated on a number of EOS products, including the R800 Remote Weapon Station and the T2000 turret.
“This training is another key part of EOS’ sovereign capability in weapon system design. It gives our trainers and maintainers a depth of knowledge critical to the overall operation of our systems,” CEO for EOS Defence Systems Grant Sanderson said.
The Mk44S Bushmaster Chain Gun is an electrically operated auto-cannon with a recoil that does not need to cycle the weapon or clear stoppages.
The Northrop Grumman-built system is deployed by 19 nations and 34 users, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and South Korea.
EOS instructor and former RAAC Warrant Officer Class 2, Andrew Harvey, observed: “The Mk44S has greater fire power than the M242 25mm and significant additional capabilities such as programmable rounds and the ability to upgrade to the 40mm Supershot system.”
The Mk44S is fitted with a breach mounted fuse setter, supporting weapon platforms firing programmable airburst munitions, such as programmable air-burst munition (PABM) for suppressing dug-in and fortified positions and the proximity fused rounds for engaging UAS and helicopters.
The upgrade to 40mm Supershot is supported by the exchange of three mechanical parts and the reprogramming of the fire control system, providing increased firepower without the need to integrate a new cannon.
“The Mk44S is basically a bigger version of the M242 25mm cannon that equips the ASLAV. It is easy to maintain and reliable to operate, and would build on existing training and maintenance systems and expertise if selected by the Australian Army,” EOS instructor and former Regimental Artificer Sergeant Major of 2nd Cavalry Regiment and Armourer, Paul Gibbs, added.
EOS has delivered over 700 units to its customers in recent years with more on order.
“We are receiving excellent support from them for a significant number of programs around the world,” CEO Grant Sanderson said.
“This training gives our team a far greater understanding of how the cannon should be operated and maintained to best effect.”
[Related: EOS lauds ‘successful’ integration of EM Solutions]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
