20 mm modèle F2 gun

The 20 mm modèle F2 gun is a naval defence weapon used by the French Navy. It was developed from the GIAT M693, itself derived from Hispano-Suiza HS.820. It fires the same 20×139 mm round.

20 mm modèle F2 gun
TypeAutocannon
Place of originFrance
Specifications
Mass332 kg (732 lb) (without ammunition)
Length2,600 mm (100 in)
Barrel length1,970 mm (78 in)
Caliber20×139mm
ActionGas unlocked, delayed blowback[1]
Elevation−15° to + 65°
Rate of fire900 round/min
Muzzle velocity1,050 m/s (3,400 ft/s)
Effective firing range1,500 m (4,900 ft) against aerial targets

History

The need for a newer 20 mm defence cannon than the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon began to grow noticeably during the 1980s. The companies DCN and GIAT were contracted to design the F2 20 mm cannon, essentially a navalised version of the M693 gun used by the French Army, and sold for export.

Description

The 20 mm F2 is a mounted monotube gun, with two 150-cartridge boxes on each side of the piece. An electrical control system allows for a choice of three modes of fire: single shot, eight-shot burst, or free fire. There is an electrical trigger in the right hand of the gunner. A manual selector allows the gunner to change the box feeding the weapon during the firing, making mixed firing available. After each shot, the empty cartridge is ejected from beneath the weapon.

The gun is manoeuvred by the body of the gunner, who is attached to the weapon. Firing is guided through the same optical visor as used with the Bofors 40 mm gun and the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon.

Usage
F2 gun aboard Forbin

The gun has been exported to Belgium (Tripartite-class minesweepers), Indonesia (Tripartite-class minesweepers), Malawi (Kasunga), Netherlands (Tripartite-class minesweepers), Pakistan (Tripartite-class minesweepers), and Saudi Arabia (NAJA 12 class).

In the French Navy, they are used aboard:

References
  1. Nexter M693 (F2) 20 mm cannon (France), Cannon
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