French 100 Mm Naval Gun - Versions

Versions

Over the years, the 100 mm turret went through several improvements, notably bringing better automatisation and increased of the firing rate, new ammunition optimised to shoot down missiles, and compatibility with modern firing computers. Three main versions of French 100mm guns can be cited:

• 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. The 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 unmanned 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.

• 100 mm modèle 53 turret of the Maillé Brézé

• 100 mm modèle 64 turret of the Clémenceau

• 100 mm modèle 68 turret on the La Motte-Picquet

• the modèle 100 TR of the La Fayette class frigate Surcouf

• 100mm shell, model 1957