View source for 20 mm modèle F2 gun

{{1r|date=November 2017}}{{Infobox weapon
|name=20 mm modèle F2 gun
| image=20mm F2 gun.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption=
|origin=France
|type=[[Autocannon]]
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|is_ranged=yes
|is_artillery=yes
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|weight={{convert|332|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (without ammunition)
|length={{convert|2600|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|part_length={{convert|1970|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|width=
|height=
|diameter=
|crew=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=
|caliber=20×139mm
|action=Gas unlocked, [[delayed blowback]]<ref>[http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/Nexter-M693-F2-20-mm-cannon-France.html Nexter M693 (F2) 20&nbsp;mm cannon (France), Cannon]</ref>
|rate=900 round/min
|velocity={{convert|1050|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
|range={{convert|1500|m|ft|abbr=on}} against aerial targets
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|feed=
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|breech=
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|carriage=
|elevation=−15° to + 65°
|traverse=
}}
The '''20&nbsp;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&nbsp;mm round.

== History ==
The need for a newer 20&nbsp;mm defence cannon than the [[Oerlikon 20&nbsp;mm cannon]] began to grow noticeably during the 1980s. The companies [[DCNS (company)|DCN]] and [[GIAT]] were contracted to design the F2 20&nbsp;mm cannon, essentially a navalised version of the M693 gun used by the French Army, and sold for export.

== Description ==
The 20&nbsp;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&nbsp;mm gun]] and the Oerlikon 20&nbsp;mm cannon.

== Usage ==
[[File:Canon de 20 mm forbin.JPG|thumb|upright|F2 gun aboard {{ship|French frigate|Forbin||2}}]]
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:
* {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle}}
* {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}}s
* {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate|1}}s
* {{sclass|Floréal|frigate|1}}s
* {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}}s
* {{sclass|Éridan|minesweeper|1}}s
* {{sclass2|P400|patrol vessel|1}}
* {{ship|French ship|Dumont d'Urville||2}}
* {{ship|French ship|Jacques Cartier||2}}
* {{ship|French ship|La Grandière||2}}
* {{ship|French ship|Rapière||2}}
* {{ship|French ship|Hallebarde||2}}
* {{ship|French ship|Monge|A601|2}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNFR_2cm-90_Giat.htm navweaps.com]
{{knds}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:20 mm modele F2 gun}}
[[Category:20&nbsp;mm artillery]]
[[Category:Autocannon]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of France]]
[[Category:Naval anti-aircraft guns]]
[[Category:KNDS France]]
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