Jump to content

French 100 mm naval gun: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Clean up spacing around commas and other punctuation fixes, replaced: ; → ; (2)
 
(14 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Unreferenced|date=May 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|is_artillery=yes
|is_artillery=yes
Line 10: Line 10:
|origin= France<!-- Country flag removed per [[WP:Manual of Style#Images]]. -->
|origin= France<!-- Country flag removed per [[WP:Manual of Style#Images]]. -->
|service=1958–present
|service=1958–present
|used_by=[[France]], [[Belgian Navy|Belgium]], [[Portugal]], [[Turkey]], [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Bulgarian Navy|Bulgaria]]<!-- Country flags removed per [[WP:Manual of Style#Images]]. -->
|used_by=[[France]], [[Belgium]], [[Portugal]], [[Turkey]], [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Malaysia]]<!-- Country flags removed per [[WP:Manual of Style#Images]]. -->
|wars=[[Gulf war]], [[Falklands war]]
|wars=[[Gulf War]], [[Falklands War]]
|caliber={{convert|100|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|caliber={{convert|100|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|part_length=55 calibres {{convert|5500|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|part_length=55 calibres {{convert|5500|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|22|t|lb|lk=on}}
|weight={{convert|22|t|lb|lk=on}} (Compact version: {{convert|19|t|lb|lk=on}})
|cartridge= 100x700mmR
|cartridge= 100x700mmR
<br>cartridge weight {{convert|23.6|kg|lb|lk=on}}
<br>cartridge weight {{convert|23.6|kg|lb|lk=on}}
Line 23: Line 23:
*6,000 m against aerial targets
*6,000 m against aerial targets
*12,000 m against surface targets
*12,000 m against surface targets
|rate=78 round/min
|rate=60, 78 or 90 round/min depending on version
|crew=2 (''modèle 68'') ; later version entirely automatic
|crew=2 (''modèle 68''); later version entirely automatic
|breech=
|breech=
|recoil=
|recoil=
Line 36: Line 36:
|production_date=1961–present
|production_date=1961–present
|number=
|number=
|variants=modèle 53<br>modèle 64<br>modèle 68<br>modèle 100 TR
|variants=modèle 53<br>modèle 64<br>modèle 68<br>modèle 100 TR<br>Compact
|}}
|}}


Modern '''French 100&nbsp;mm naval guns''' are multipurpose artillery pieces, capable of a high rate of fire. Most modern French warships are or were equipped with one of its variants.
Modern '''French 100&nbsp;mm naval guns''' are multipurpose artillery pieces, capable of a high rate of fire, against both aerial and surface targets. Most modern French warships are or were equipped with one of its variants.


==History==
==History==
Line 65: Line 65:


==Versions==
==Versions==
Over the years, the 100&nbsp;mm turret went through several improvements, notably bringing more reliable operation and increased firing rate, new ammunition optimized to shoot down missiles, and compatibility with modern firing computers. There are four main versions of French 100 mm guns:
Over the years, the 100&nbsp;mm turret went through several improvements, notably bringing more reliable operation and increased firing rate, new ammunition optimized to shoot down missiles, and compatibility with modern firing computers. There are four main versions of French 100&nbsp;mm guns:
* ''Modèle 53'': the first shell had to be fed manually, with subsequent shots taking advantage of recoil to load automatically, firing at up to 60 rounds per minute. Employs electro-mechanical fire control, with two manual command stations on the front of the turret.
* ''Modèle 53'': the first shell had to be fed manually, with subsequent shots taking advantage of recoil to load automatically, firing at up to 60 rounds per minute. Employs electro-mechanical fire control, with two manual command stations on the front of the turret.<ref>Friedman, p. 258</ref>
* ''Modèle 64'' is a direct offspring of the 53, with a 78 round/min rate of fire. This version can be connected to modern firing computers.
* ''Modèle 64'' is a direct offspring of the 53, with a 78 round/min rate of fire. This version can be connected to modern firing computers.
* ''Modèle 68'' In this model, the turret was lightened and can load the first round automatically, but rate of fire is reduced back to 60 rounds per minute. This version may operate with automatic action and control with only one manual station remaining as a backup. This version was later improved to the CADAM standard (''CADence AMéliorée'', "improved rate of fire"), restoring the 78 rounds/min rate of fire. A derivative is the ''modèle 100 TR'' (used on the {{sclass |La Fayette|frigate|1}}s), mechanically similar to the 68, but with a stealth armour. The manual control has been removed.
* ''Modèle 68'' In this model, the turret was lightened and can load the first round automatically, but rate of fire is reduced back to 60 rounds per minute. This version may operate with automatic action and control with only one manual station remaining as a backup. This version was later improved to the CADAM standard (''CADence AMéliorée'', "improved rate of fire"), restoring the 78 rounds/min rate of fire. A derivative is the ''modèle 100 TR'' (used on the {{sclass |La Fayette|frigate|1}}s), mechanically similar to the 68, but with a stealth armour. The manual control has been removed.
* ''Compact'': This weapon has only been exported to China (see also China's [[Type 210 100 mm naval gun]]), Malaysia, Portugal and Saudi Arabia. It is even lighter than the ''modèle 68'', at only 19 metric tons including gunhouse (14 metric ton alone), deck and magazine. Later Mk 2 versions also fire faster, at up to 90 rounds per minute. However, it is also limited to firing short bursts of no more than 6 rounds.
* ''Compact'': This weapon has only been exported to China (see also China's [[Type 210 100 mm naval gun]]), Malaysia, Portugal and Saudi Arabia. It is even lighter than the ''modèle 68'', at only 19 metric tons including gunhouse (14 metric ton alone), deck and magazine. Later Mk 2 versions also fire faster, at up to 90 rounds per minute. However, it is also limited to firing short bursts of no more than 6 rounds.


==Usage==
==Usage==
The 100&nbsp;mm gun sp
The 100&nbsp;mm gun has been used in the French navy on most warships equal or greater than [[aviso]]s (the A69 especially, built and exported in 20 units). The aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}, with her [[MBDA Aster]]-only defence, is the main exception. Also, [[Horizon-class frigate|Horizon CNGF]] frigates are equipped with the [[Otobreda 76 mm|76 mm Oto-Melara gun]].
has been used in the French navy on most warships equal or greater than [[aviso]]s (the A69 especially, built and exported in 20 units). The aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}, with her [[MBDA Aster]]-only defence, is the main exception. Also, [[Horizon-class frigate|Horizon CNGF]] frigates are equipped with the [[Otobreda 76 mm|76 mm Oto-Melara gun]].


The 100&nbsp;mm has been sold abroad, and is used by the navies of [[Argentinian Navy|Argentina]], [[Belgian Navy|Belgium]], [[People's Liberation Army Navy|China]], [[Portuguese Navy|Portugal]], Turkey, Brazil, [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Bulgarian Navy|Bulgaria]] & [[German Navy|Germany]] (mounted on {{sclass|Köln|frigate|2}}<nowiki/>s and {{sclass|Hamburg|destroyer|2}}<nowiki/>s; both classes are now retired), and others. Belgian {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate|2}}<nowiki/>s equipped with the system were sold to [[Bulgarian Navy|Bulgaria]] in 2004-2008.
The 100&nbsp;mm has been sold abroad, and is used by the navies of [[Argentinian Navy|Argentina]], [[Belgian Navy|Belgium]], [[People's Liberation Army Navy|China]], [[Portuguese Navy|Portugal]], [[Turkish Naval Forces|Turkey]], [[Brazilian Navy|Brazil]], [[Royal Saudi Navy|Saudi Arabia]], [[Bulgarian Navy|Bulgaria]], [[Royal Saudi Navy|Malaysia]] & [[German Navy|Germany]] (mounted on {{sclass|Köln|frigate|2}}<nowiki/>s and {{sclass|Hamburg|destroyer|2}}<nowiki/>s; both classes are now retired), and others. Belgian {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate|2}}<nowiki/>s equipped with the system were sold to [[Bulgarian Navy|Bulgaria]] in 2004-2008.

=== Applications ===
Below is a list of ship classes fitted with the weapon.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Class
!Type
!Nation
!Reference
|-
|''[[French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc (R97)|Jeanne D'arc]]''
|Aircraft carrier
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Faulkner |first=Keith |url=http://archive.org/details/janeswarshipreco0000faul |title=Jane's warship recognition guide |date=1999 |publisher=New York : HarperCollinsPublishers |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-00-472211-5}}</ref>{{Rp|page=30}}
|-
|''[[Cassard-class frigate|Cassard]]''
|Destroyer
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=82}}
|-
|''[[Georges Leygues-class frigate|George Leygues]]''
|Destroyer
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=84}}
|-
|''[[Suffren-class frigate|Suffren]]''
|Destroyer
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=86}}
|-
|''[[Tourville-class frigate|Tourville]]''
|Destroyer
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=88}}
|-
|''[[Hamburg-class destroyer|Hamburg]]''
|Destroyer
|{{Flag|West Germany}}
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=None |url=http://archive.org/details/janesfightingshi0000unse |title=Jane's fighting ships 1987-88 |date=1987 |publisher=London; New York, NY : Jane's Pub. |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-7106-0842-0}}</ref>{{Rp|page=206}}
|-
|''[[Köln-class frigate|Köln]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|West Germany}}
|<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|page=208}}
|-
|''[[Wielingen-class frigate|Wielingen]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
{{Flag|Bulgaria}}
|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fish |first=Tim |date=July 20, 2023 |title=Eastern European Navies Expand as Russian Occupation of Ukraine Drags On |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/07/20/eastern-european-navies-expand-as-russian-occupation-of-ukraine-drags-on}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=150}}
|-
|''[[Commandant Rivière-class frigate|Commandant Riviere]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
{{Flag|Uruguay}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=170}}
|-
|''[[D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso|D'Estienne d'Orves]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Argentina}}
{{Flag|France}}

{{Flag|Turkey}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Type A-69 D'Estienne D'Orves Frigates |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/d-orves.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=172}}
|-
|''[[Al Madinah-class frigate|Al Madinah]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=174}}
|-
|''[[Floréal-class frigate|Florèal]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=176}}
|-
|''[[La Fayette-class frigate|La Fayette]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|France}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=178}}
|-
|''[[Almirante Padilla-class frigate|Almirante Padilla]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Colombia}}
{{Flag|Malaysia}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=182}}
|-
|''[[MEKO 200#Vasco da Gama class (MEKO 200PN)|Vasco da Gama]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=182}}
|-
|''[[Baptista de Andrade-class corvette|Baptista de Andrade]]''
|Frigate
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
|<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=226}}
|}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 94: Line 191:
* [[Type 210 100 mm naval gun]] : contemporary 100&nbsp;mm standard naval gun mounting for Chinese ships
* [[Type 210 100 mm naval gun]] : contemporary 100&nbsp;mm standard naval gun mounting for Chinese ships
* [[Otobreda 127/54 Compact]] and [[Otobreda 127/64]]: contemporary 127&nbsp;mm naval gun from Italian manufacturer [[Oto Melara]]
* [[Otobreda 127/54 Compact]] and [[Otobreda 127/64]]: contemporary 127&nbsp;mm naval gun from Italian manufacturer [[Oto Melara]]

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |last1=Friedman |first1=Norman |title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems |date=1989 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=0-87021-793-3|author-link=Norman Friedman}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 101: Line 204:
{{DEFAULTSORT:French 100 Mm Naval Gun}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:French 100 Mm Naval Gun}}
[[Category:Naval guns of France|100]]
[[Category:Naval guns of France|100]]
[[Category:Naval anti-aircraft guns]]
[[Category:100 mm artillery]]
[[Category:100 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1950s]]

Latest revision as of 00:28, 30 September 2024

Canon de 100mm
100 mm turret on Lieutenant de vaisseau Lavallée
TypeNaval gun
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service1958–present
Used byFrance, Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Malaysia
WarsGulf War, Falklands War
Production history
DesignerTonnelé
Designed1953–1961
ManufacturerNaval Group formerly DCNS
Produced1961–present
Variantsmodèle 53
modèle 64
modèle 68
modèle 100 TR
Compact
Specifications
Mass22 tonnes (49,000 lb) (Compact version: 19 tonnes (42,000 lb))
Barrel length55 calibres 5,500 mm (220 in)
Crew2 (modèle 68); later version entirely automatic
Shell100x700mmR
cartridge weight 23.6 kilograms (52 lb)
Shell weight13.5 kilograms (30 lb)
Calibre100 mm (3.9 in)
Elevation29°/s
Traverse40°/s
Rate of fire60, 78 or 90 round/min depending on version
Muzzle velocity870 m/s (2,900 ft/s)
Effective firing range17,000 m (elevation 40°)
Maximum firing rangeMaximum practical range:
  • 6,000 m against aerial targets
  • 12,000 m against surface targets

Modern French 100 mm naval guns are multipurpose artillery pieces, capable of a high rate of fire, against both aerial and surface targets. Most modern French warships are or were equipped with one of its variants.

History

[edit]

At the end of the Second World War, the French Navy was equipped with guns of numerous calibres, most of which were obsolete. In 1953, the STCAN of Paris, under engineer Tonnelé, drafted the design of a multi-purpose 100 mm gun. The gun was designed to be effective for anti-aircraft defence, anti-ship combat, and shore bombardment fire support.

The first model of the family, "modèle 53", was tested at sea on the escort Le Brestois in 1958 and the escort aviso Victor Schoelcher in 1961.

Description

[edit]

The most common version, modèle 68, features a completely automatic action and control. The ammunition is stored in a magazine underneath the turret, and fed to the gun by a lift operated by a team of two. A flexible pipe allows feeding the gun under any orientation.

Rounds of ammunition are fed automatically; after firing, the empty shell casing is ejected through an evacuation door on the front of the turret. Cooling is provided by water circulating in layers of steel around the tube of the gun, and by an injection of air and water after every shot.

The turret can be used in three modes:

  • Remote control by the main weapon control system, from the Operation Center
  • Remote control from a secondary weapon control system
  • Manual control by the joystick at the left of the gun (except the 100TR version)

In manual mode, a team of two serve the turret: the gunner, at the left of the gun, uses a joystick to point the gun, and optic ranging and aiming instruments to direct the fire; the observer monitors the operations from the back of the turret.

Aiming is performed by two electric motors, one for the elevation (left of the turret) and the other for the traverse (right of the turret). Two hydraulic systems feed the gun. The gun can also be moved manually for maintenance.

Since it is usually installed on the bow deck of warships, these turrets are often exposed to breaking waves and humidity. To prevent corrosion and mechanical problems, the turret is made water-tight with rubber joints. The muzzle itself is sealed by a rubber tampion, which can be shot through in case of emergency.

The plexiglas viewbay used to manually aim the gun is usually protected by a steel cover.

Versions

[edit]

Over the years, the 100 mm turret went through several improvements, notably bringing more reliable operation and increased firing rate, new ammunition optimized to shoot down missiles, and compatibility with modern firing computers. There are four main versions of French 100 mm guns:

  • Modèle 53: the first shell had to be fed manually, with subsequent shots taking advantage of recoil to load automatically, firing at up to 60 rounds per minute. Employs electro-mechanical fire control, with two manual command stations on the front of the turret.[1]
  • Modèle 64 is a direct offspring of the 53, with a 78 round/min rate of fire. This version can be connected to modern firing computers.
  • Modèle 68 In this model, the turret was lightened and can load the first round automatically, but rate of fire is reduced back to 60 rounds per minute. This version may operate with automatic action and control with only one manual station remaining as a backup. This version was later improved to the CADAM standard (CADence AMéliorée, "improved rate of fire"), restoring the 78 rounds/min rate of fire. A derivative is the modèle 100 TR (used on the La Fayette-class frigates), mechanically similar to the 68, but with a stealth armour. The manual control has been removed.
  • Compact: This weapon has only been exported to China (see also China's Type 210 100 mm naval gun), Malaysia, Portugal and Saudi Arabia. It is even lighter than the modèle 68, at only 19 metric tons including gunhouse (14 metric ton alone), deck and magazine. Later Mk 2 versions also fire faster, at up to 90 rounds per minute. However, it is also limited to firing short bursts of no more than 6 rounds.

Usage

[edit]

The 100 mm gun sp has been used in the French navy on most warships equal or greater than avisos (the A69 especially, built and exported in 20 units). The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, with her MBDA Aster-only defence, is the main exception. Also, Horizon CNGF frigates are equipped with the 76 mm Oto-Melara gun.

The 100 mm has been sold abroad, and is used by the navies of Argentina, Belgium, China, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Malaysia & Germany (mounted on Köln-class frigates and Hamburg-class destroyers; both classes are now retired), and others. Belgian Wielingen-class frigates equipped with the system were sold to Bulgaria in 2004-2008.

Applications

[edit]

Below is a list of ship classes fitted with the weapon.

Class Type Nation Reference
Jeanne D'arc Aircraft carrier  France [2]: 30 
Cassard Destroyer  France [2]: 82 
George Leygues Destroyer  France [2]: 84 
Suffren Destroyer  France [2]: 86 
Tourville Destroyer  France [2]: 88 
Hamburg Destroyer  West Germany [3]: 206 
Köln Frigate  West Germany [3]: 208 
Wielingen Frigate  Belgium

 Bulgaria

[4][2]: 150 
Commandant Riviere Frigate  Portugal

 Uruguay

[2]: 170 
D'Estienne d'Orves Frigate  Argentina

 France

 Turkey

[5][2]: 172 
Al Madinah Frigate  Saudi Arabia [2]: 174 
Florèal Frigate  France [2]: 176 
La Fayette Frigate  France [2]: 178 
Almirante Padilla Frigate  Colombia

 Malaysia

[2]: 182 
Vasco da Gama Frigate  Portugal [2]: 182 
Baptista de Andrade Frigate  Portugal [2]: 226 
[edit]

See also

[edit]

Weapons of comparable role, performance and era

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Friedman, p. 258
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Faulkner, Keith (1999). Jane's warship recognition guide. Internet Archive. New York : HarperCollinsPublishers. ISBN 978-0-00-472211-5.
  3. ^ a b None (1987). Jane's fighting ships 1987-88. Internet Archive. London; New York, NY : Jane's Pub. ISBN 978-0-7106-0842-0.
  4. ^ Fish, Tim (July 20, 2023). "Eastern European Navies Expand as Russian Occupation of Ukraine Drags On".
  5. ^ "Type A-69 D'Estienne D'Orves Frigates". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2024-06-10.

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=French_100_mm_naval_gun&oldid=1248523743"