M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round

The M789 is a U.S. 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge for the Apache helicopter's M230/AV-30 chain gun. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems markets it in its 30x113 mm lightweight ammunition suite, while Army technical data sheets list a 200 mm cartridge length, a 232.47 g item weight, and an M759 point-detonating fuze. In November 2025, the U.S. Army documented AH-64E Apache crews firing M789 rounds during live counter-UAS testing.

M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round, 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge, Munitions

Image source: GDOTS 30mm x 113 Ammunition Suite

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
Type: 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge
Service note: Modern U.S. Apache helicopter ammunition

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Specifications

Caliber: 30 mm / 30x113 mm
Cartridge length: 200 mm
Item weight: 232.47 g
Fuze: M759 point-detonating fuze
Cartridge case: Aluminum
Penetration: 25.4 mm RHA at 50° NATO at 500 meters

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Used in the Apache helicopter's M230/AV-30 chain gun turret.
Used by: AH-64E Apache attack helicopter

Carrier Helicopters

The U.S. Army documented AH-64E Apache crews firing M789 high-explosive dual-purpose rounds during live counter-UAS testing.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

AH-64E Apache attack helicopter

Attack helicopter

The Army said AH-64E Apache helicopters employed 30 mm M789 high-explosive dual-purpose rounds during Operation Flyswatter live-fire testing.

Sources: Apache Helicopter Proves Advanced Counter-UAS Capabilities in Live Demonstration

M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round Images

M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round, 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge, Munitions - view 1 — Source: GDOTS 30mm x 113 Ammunition Suite

M789 high-explosive dual-purpose round, 30 mm high-explosive dual-purpose cartridge, Munitions - view 2 — Source: GDOTS 30mm x 113 Ammunition Suite

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Sources

GDOTS 30mm x 113 Ammunition SuitePublisher: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | Note: Supports manufacturer background, the M789/M788 30x113 mm ammunition suite, Apache M230/AV-30 compatibility, and image provenance for the product-page images. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Ordnance Technical Data Sheet 30mm M789Publisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the M789 designation, 30 mm diameter, 200 mm length, 232.47 g item weight, and M759 fuze details. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Apache Helicopter Proves Advanced Counter-UAS Capabilities in Live DemonstrationPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Apache relationship: AH-64E Apache helicopters employed 30 mm M789 high-explosive dual-purpose rounds during live counter-UAS testing. | Accessed: 2026-06-23