As with other forms of the The Boeing Company's (previously McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems) Chain Gun® family, all the movements and timings of the 30 mm M230 are propelled and timed by an external power source and a single drive chain. The M230 uses a linkless ammunition system for installation on The Boeing Company AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and the Sikorsky UH-60K Blackhawk. The M230 has been designed to accommodate various forms of 30 mm ammunition including the 30 mm ADEN, DEFA and American M788 and M789.

In addition to the aircraft role, the M230 has been installed and fired from several lightweight wheeled vehicles to demonstrate feasibility for potential scout and reconnaissance applications. A naval deck-mounted version is also available. Details of the more recent Link Fed 30 mm M230LF are given in a separate entry.

In production. In service with the US Army in helicopter application with over 1,000 delivered by 1999. The AH-64 has also been ordered by Egypt, Greece, Israel, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK and United Arab Emirates.