When modern armored vehicles face threats ranging from fast‑moving infantry to lightly armored targets, they need a weapon that balances firepower, accuracy, and reliability.
The Bushmaster III automatic cannon delivers exactly that as a robust 35mm cannon designed for medium‑weight combat vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and remote weapon stations.
This guide breaks down what the Bushmaster III is, how it came to be, its capabilities and limitations, where it’s used, and what its future looks like.
What the Bushmaster III Is
The Bushmaster III is a 35mm automatic chain gun developed for armored vehicles and remote weapon systems.
Part of Northrop Grumman’s Bushmaster family, the Bushmaster III offers higher caliber and increased lethality compared with its 25mm and 30mm predecessors, bridging the gap between lighter autocannons and larger medium artillery.
Development History
The Bushmaster family traces its roots to the US Army’s need for reliable autocannons in the 1970s and 1980s.
While earlier Bushmaster cannons (like the M242 25mm) became widely adopted, evolving battlefield requirements highlighted a capability gap between 30mm weapons and larger caliber cannons.
The Bushmaster III was developed to fill that gap.
Designed and produced by Northrop Grumman (building on the legacy of Oerlikon/Bührle chain gun technology), it offered a balance of firepower, reliability, and weight suitable for modern mechanized vehicles.
Its design emphasizes modularity and ease of integration with a variety of platforms and fire control systems.
Variants and Configurations
The Bushmaster III is found in several configurations depending on platform and mission requirements:
- Standard Bushmaster III: Single‑barrel 35mm automatic cannon.
- Cased Telescoped Armament System Variant: A version that uses telescoped ammunition for reduced overall length and improved packaging, designed for integration with advanced turrets.
- Remote/Remote Weapon Station (RWS) Integration: Often paired with advanced RWS for unmanned turret operation and increased situational awareness.
These configurations allow the Bushmaster III to serve in different roles — from the vehicle’s main weapon to being part of an integrated sensor/weapon suite.
How the Bushmaster III Works
The Bushmaster III is a chain‑driven automatic cannon, meaning a motor‑driven chain mechanism cycles the weapon’s action. This provides exceptional reliability, especially in environments with dirt, dust, or high fire rates.
Core Features
- Chain‑driven action: Uses a drive chain to cycle rounds, reducing dependence on gas pressure, improving reliability in adverse conditions.
- 35mm caliber: Larger projectile than earlier 25mm or 30mm systems, offering greater kinetic energy and target effect.
- Feed system: Can be belt‑fed or integrated with cased telescoped ammunition systems for optimized space and efficiency.
- Fire control integration: Usually paired with advanced fire control systems for accuracy, target tracking, and ballistic computation.
Strengths
- Enhanced lethality: The 35mm caliber delivers greater kinetic energy and penetration than 25mm and 30mm systems, improving effectiveness against a wider range of targets.
- Reliability: Chain‑driven operation ensures consistent cycling even in harsh battlefield conditions where gas‑operated systems may struggle.
- Modular integration: Designed for seamless integration with modern turret and remote weapon systems, allowing for advanced targeting and networking.
Limitations
- Ammunition size and weight: Larger 35mm rounds require more space and logistics effort compared with smaller calibers.
- Recoil and mounting needs: The increased power and recoil impulse demand robust mounting solutions and vehicle designs capable of handling the forces.
- Cost: Higher caliber weapons and their ammunition are generally more expensive per round than lower‑caliber options.
Global Use and Deployment
The Bushmaster III has been selected for use on several modern armored platforms, such as:
- CV90 series IFVs: 35mm variants of the Swedish CV90 family integrate the Bushmaster III as their primary armament.
- Remote weapon stations: Integrated into RWS on various wheeled and tracked vehicles used by European and allied forces.
Its mix of power and versatility makes it attractive for nations seeking a middle ground between lighter autocannons and larger vehicle guns.
Future Outlook
The Bushmaster III is well‑positioned for continued relevance as armored vehicle designs increasingly favor higher firepower and advanced integration.
Developments like cased telescoped ammunition improve packaging and efficiency, while integration with unmanned turrets and advanced fire control systems enhances battlefield precision and lethality.
Future enhancements may include increased automation, smart munitions compatibility, and tighter integration with networked battlefield systems, ensuring the Bushmaster III remains competitive in evolving mechanized combat environments.
Overall, the Bushmaster III cannon fills a critical niche in modern armored warfare: a reliable, powerful weapon that enhances vehicle firepower without the complexity of larger artillery systems.
