Image source: topwar.ru
The American defense concern Northrop Grumman conducted successful aeroballistic tests of a promising guided missile at a test site in the United States, which is to become part of the Raid Hunter short-range air defense system (formerly known as 50mm GBAD), designed to protect facilities and battle formations from mass attacks by cruise missiles, kamikaze UAVs and swarms of drones.
According to the developer, as a result of the tests, "a technological breakthrough was achieved." It is indicated that until now, guided munitions have been the prerogative of large-caliber (155-mm artillery) or expensive anti-aircraft missiles. Northrop Grumman was able to fit miniature guidance modules into the body of a 50 mm projectile. After exiting the cannon barrel, the projectile is able to dynamically maneuver on a trajectory, following an evading aerial target.
Image source: topwar.ru
50x228 mm caliber shells are equipped with "smart" non-contact (programmable) fuses. The AI integrated into the AiON MSA calculates the distance and detonates the munition exactly in front of the target.
The XM913 Bushmaster automatic Chain Gun ensures a continuous rate of fire in bursts (up to 100-200 rounds per minute). The large battery capacity and high recharge rate allow the Raid Hunter system to intercept targets one by one as part of a cheap alternative to anti-aircraft missiles.
Image source: topwar.ru
The maximum range of effective interception of air targets for the Raid Hunter complex is about 4 km (when hitting small UAVs, mortar mines and cruise missiles). At the same time, the maximum ballistic flight distance of the XM913 cannon projectile itself exceeds 7 km.
Allegedly, "the 50mm caliber provides the perfect balance." Compared to standard Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (25 mm) or C-RAM anti-aircraft systems (20 mm), the Raid Hunter projectile flies almost twice as far and has a much more flat trajectory. In addition, it was physically possible to place guidance sensors (and, apparently, steering wheels for maneuvering) in such a caliber, which cannot be done for a 30-mm projectile.
The Raid Hunter complex is being developed as a modular system. It can be deployed in stationary containers or mounted on wheeled and tracked chassis.
