Editing M242 Bushmaster (section)

==Description==
[[File:US Navy 090125-N-3931M-160 Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Adam Gayner mans a 25MM chain gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while monitoring a small boat transiting from the merchant vessel MV F.jpg|thumb|right|Close up of the MK 38 naval variant]]

Unlike most automatic [[firearm]]s, the M242 does not depend on gas or [[recoil]] to actuate its firing system. Instead, it uses a {{convert|1|hp|abbr=on}} [[Direct current|DC]] [[Electric motor|motor]], positioned in the [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] to drive the chain and [[dual-feed]] system. This system uses sprockets and extractor grooves to feed, load, fire, extract, and eject rounds. A system of clutches provides for an alternate sprocket to engage and thus allows the gunner to switch between [[Armor-piercing shot and shell|armor-piercing]] and [[Shell (projectile)#High-explosive|high-explosive round]]s.

The weapon assembly consists of three parts: the [[Barrel (firearms)|barrel]] assembly, the feeder assembly, and the receiver assembly. 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 M242 weapon system has both electrical and manual fire control and can be operated electrically or manually. The gunner can choose from three rates of fire:

* ''Single shot semi-automatic'', in which the gunner can shoot as fast as the trigger can be operated, limited only by the electrical drive speed (it cannot exceed the "high rate" firing speed).
* ''Low rate fully automatic'', in which the weapon fires 100 rounds per minute, ± 25 rounds.
* ''High rate fully automatic'', in which the weapon fires 200 rounds per minute, ± 25 rounds.