The 20 mm modèle F2 gun is a naval defence weapon in usage in the French Navy. The French Navy (Marine Nationale) is the naval arm of the French military and is the second-largest Western European navy (the largest being the United Kingdoms Royal Navy). ...

History

The need for a newer 20 mm defence cannon than the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon began to grow notable in the 80s. The companies DCN and GIAT associated to design the F2 20 mm cannon, essentially a navalised version of the M693 gun used by the French Army, and sold in exportation. Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) is based in France and is one of Europes leading shipbuilders. ...

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 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 to change the box feeding the waepon during the firing, making mixed firing available. After a shot, the empty cartridge is ejected under the waepon.

The gun is manoeuvered by the body of the gunner, who is attached to the weapon. The fire is directed through an optical visor used on the Bofors 40 mm gun and on the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon as well. 40 mm Bofors Polish-made Bofors gun after the Battle of Bzura The Bofors 40 mm gun is a famous autocannon designed by the Swedish firm of Bofors. ...

Usage

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

In the French Navy, they are used on

• Charles De Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier
• La Fayette class frigates
• Floreal class frigate
• Eridan class minesweepers
• L'Audacieuse class poatrol boats
• Dumont D'Urville
• Jacques Cartier
• La Grandière
• Rapière
• Hallebarde
• Monge

The Charles de Gaulle (R91) is the tenth aircraft carrier in service with the French Marine Nationale, and the first French nuclear surface vessel. ... The La Fayette class units are large multi-mission frigates built by DCN and operated by France (Marine Nationale), Saudi Arabia, Singapore (Republic of Singapore Navy) and Taiwan. ... The Floréal type is a class of light sentry frigates designed for the needs of the French Navy after the end of the Cold War, ordered in 1989. ...

External links

• navweaps.com (http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNFR_2cm-90_Giat.htm)