MINNEAPOLIS, 29 Aug. 2009. Alliant Techsystems demonstrated its electronic defense systems with advanced firepower capabilities at the U.S. Army's Ft. Benning Red Cloud Range, on August 27, 2009. During a live-fire event, ATK demonstrated advancements to its battle-proven Bushmaster Chain Gun systems with enhanced precision, lethality, reliability, and range to address current and future operational needs.

ATK's integrated weapon systems capabilities include remote-operation, electronics and fire control, and compatibility with a full-suite of ATK ammunition, including a compatible Programmable Airburst Munition (PABM) that extends operational effectiveness.

During the event, ATK fired four cannons in the following live-fire configurations:

-- Lightweight 25mm Bushmaster Chain Gun (LW25) integrated into a Kongsberg mount on a Textron MSV
-- LW25 integrated into a Palletized Autonomous Weapon System (PAWS), mounted onto a HMMWV
-- 30mm M230 Link Fed (LF) integrated into the Viper Gun System (Viper)
-- 30mm/40mm Mk44 Bushmaster Chain Gun with PABM

The LW25 is the newest member of the Bushmaster family; its compact size and low-recoil design makes the LW25 well suited for ground combat, surface combatant, and rotary-wing applications, says a representative.

The new system is also compatible with the current family of remote weapon stations employed on Stryker, Bradley, HMMWV, and MRAP vehicles. The LW25 system enhances operational flexibility and performance in a lightweight integrated armaments package.

PAWS is a self-contained Palletized Autonomous Weapons System that is user scalable to specific mission requirements. PAWS is designed to accommodate most small- and medium-caliber weapons and can be mounted on a wide range of vehicles, or deployed autonomously. PAWS' remote weapon station also contains a self-contained sensor package and power supply.

Viper, developed collaboratively between ATK and Nobles Manufacturing Inc., is an affordable "plug and play" weapon station that incorporates a patent-pending Gun Mount Braking System (GMBS). Viper can be installed on multiple platforms and incorporates a flex chute and ammunition magazine into a compact and versatile weapons platform to meet the security needs of U.S. and international customers.