A system of clutches provides for an alternate sprocket to engage and thus allows the gunner to switch between armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds.

The three-part structure makes it possible for a two-person team to install or remove the system (under ideal conditions) despite its considerable total weight.

The gunner can choose from three rates of fire: The Bushmaster project started as an offshoot of the US Army's MICV-65 program that was attempting to introduce a new infantry fighting vehicle to replace their existing M113 armored personnel carriers.

A wide range of ammunition has been developed for this weapon, providing it with the capability to defeat the majority of armored vehicles it is likely to encounter, up to and including some light tank.

Before the project was cancelled, the Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm chain gun (a successor to the M242) was used on the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The M242 is also a popular choice of primary armament for armored fighting vehicles manufactured around the world, such as Singapore's Bionix AFVs and as the Rafael Overhead Weapon Station-25 mounted on upgraded M113A2 Ultra IFVs.

The weapon systems also received minor upgrades such as quick-detachable link covers, a larger breech assembly, a high efficiency muzzle brake, longer recoil, an integral round counter, an extended life firing pin and spring, and a triple-spring drive clutch.

Designed primarily as a close-range defensive measure, it provides protection against patrol boats, floating mines, and various shore-based targets.

[11] The system is also in use by the Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigates and Endurance-class landing platform dock ships[12] and were deployed as part of coalition forces' port security efforts in Iraq as well as anti-piracy roles in the Gulf of Aden.

[13] Aside from that, the Singapore Police Coast Guard's new coastal patrol craft (NCPC) has adopted the system as its main armament.

The TLS combines a Boeing-designed solid-state laser with the existing BAE-manufactured Mk 38 mount to deliver high-precision accuracy against fast surface and air threats including speed boats and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The upgrade mounts a larger Alliant Techsystems Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm cannon for a 500-meter range increase, as well as a coaxial .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun.

Although it has a high degree of commonality and has the same footprint as previous models, the upgrade is 20 percent heavier due to the greater ammo load.