Northrop Grumman tests Raid Hunter anti-drone gun system

Northrop Grumman is advancing the development of Raid Hunter, an automated 50 mm gun system designed to counter drone swarms, cruise missiles, and other short-range aerial threats. The system aims to provide a more cost-effective alternative to expensive interceptor missiles for protecting bases, airports, and critical infrastructure.

Recent ballistic testing of the new 50 mm projectile, fired from the XM913 Bushmaster gun, yielded high-quality flight data consistent with theoretical calculations. This success moves the project into a phase focused on integrating full guidance and proximity fuzes. The technical challenge involves miniaturizing electronics and guidance systems to fit within the extremely tight constraints of a 50 mm projectile while ensuring they can withstand the extreme acceleration of being fired from a cannon.