Photo Of The Day: We’re in Poland looking at troops with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Their Bradley fighting vehicle is firing the M242 Bushmaster 25mm autocannon in order to zero the vehicle’s weapons systems at a range.

Below: Close-up of the dangerous end and muzzle blast.

The M242 Bushmaster is a 25x137mm chain-driven autocannon with a double belt feed. It needs external power to work.  It’s utilized by the U.S. military in a variety of Bradley fighting vehicles. It is used by other NATO countries and nations as well, mainly in ground combat vehicles and watercraft.

The main targets for the M242 Bushmaster are lightly armored vehicles but also airborne targets like helicopters. The rate of fire is about 200 rounds per minute. Depending on the type of ammunition, the range is up to 3,000 meters, almost 10,000 feet.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Porter, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division