The 20 mm modèle F2 gun is a French naval autocannon chambered for 20 mm ammunition. It is employed primarily by the French Navy as a short‑range defensive weapon on a variety of surface vessels, including frigates, patrol boats and auxiliary ships. The weapon is often referred to simply as the “modèle F2” and is mounted in a single‑barrel, electrically‑driven, remotely‑operated turret.
Design and development
The modèle F2 was developed in the late 1960s to replace older 20 mm systems on French warships and to provide a lightweight, high‑rate‑of‑fire solution for close‑in air and surface threats. The design incorporates a gas‑operated or recoil‑operated action (sources differ) and is capable of automatic fire. The turret is typically fitted with electro‑optical sighting equipment and can be linked to a ship’s combat management system for fire‑control integration.
Technical characteristics (subject to verification)
- Caliber: 20 mm
- Ammunition type: 20 mm standard NATO rounds (e.g., HE‑I, AP‑I)
- Barrel length: approximately 70 mm (L/3.5) – specific dimensions not consistently documented
- Rate of fire: up to 900 rounds per minute (manufacturer‑claimed maximum)
- Effective range: about 2 km against aerial targets, 1.5 km against surface targets* (operational figures vary)
- Muzzle velocity: roughly 1,050 m/s (typical for 20 mm NATO cartridges)
If precise values differ among sources, the figures above represent the most commonly reported specifications.
Operational history
Since its introduction, the modèle F2 has been installed on a range of French naval platforms, such as the La Fayette‑class frigates, D’Entrecasteaux‑class patrol vessels, and various auxiliary ships. It serves as a point‑defence weapon against low‑altitude aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and small surface craft. The system has also been exported in limited quantities to a few foreign navies that operate French‑built vessels.
Users
- France: French Navy (Marine Nationale) – primary user.
- Other states: Export customers are not extensively documented; the weapon’s presence on foreign vessels is reported only anecdotally.
Notes on available information
Publicly accessible encyclopedic sources provide only limited details on the modèle F2’s design parameters and service record. Consequently, some technical figures and deployment specifics remain subject to verification from official French defence publications or manufacturer data sheets.
See also
- 20 mm autocannon (general overview)
- Oerlikon 20 mm cannon (a related family of weapons)
This entry reflects the extent of verifiable information available from recognized reference works as of the present date.
