DEFA cannon
| Industry | Defense, aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | Late 1940s |
| Products | Aircraft revolver cannons (30 mm) |
| Website | www |
The DEFA cannon (Direction des Études et Fabrications d'Armement) represents a series of French-manufactured aircraft revolver cannon designed to fire 30 mm NATO-standard ammunition.
Design history
Originating in the late 1940s, the first model, DEFA 551, drew inspiration from the German experimental Mauser MG 213C revolver cannon, which also influenced the British ADEN cannon and American M39 cannon. Production of the DEFA 552 began in 1954. In 1968, an enhanced variant known as Canon 550-F3 was developed and subsequently produced as the DEFA 553 starting in 1971. This version introduced a redesigned feed mechanism, a barrel plated with nichrome steel, a forged drum casing, and improved electrical system reliability.
Overview
The DEFA 553 operates as a gas-driven revolver cannon featuring five chambers, with pyrotechnic cocking and electrical ignition systems. It is capable of firing multiple types of 30 mm rounds, offering both sustained firing and short burst modes.
Following the 553, the DEFA 554 was introduced with several improvements such as utilizing three chambers for reloading instead of two, which increased its firing speed. It also boasts extended barrel longevity and enhanced mechanical dependability. An onboard electrical control unit allows pilots to toggle between two firing rates: 1,800 rounds per minute optimized for air-to-air engagements and 1,200 rounds per minute suited for air-to-ground operations. Additionally, the 554 is equipped with three pyrotechnic cocking charges that permit re-cocking during flight.
Service use
From 1954 until the advent of the Dassault Rafale in the 1980s, the DEFA 550 series served as the principal cannon armament for French fighter jets. Commonly installed in pairs carrying between 125 and 135 rounds each, it armed aircraft such as the Brazilian AMX International AMX, French Dassault MD 450 Ouragan, Dassault Mystere, Mirage III/V, Dassault Étendard IV and Dassault Super Étendard, Sud Aviation Vautour, Mirage F1, SEPECAT Jaguar, and various models within the Mirage 2000 family. Beyond France, this cannon equipped Israeli aircraft including the A-4E/F/H/N Skyhawk, IAI Nesher, IAI Kfir, and IAI Lavi, Italian planes like the Fiat G.91Y and Aermacchi MB-326K, Indonesian A-4 Skyhawks, as well as South African platforms such as the Atlas Cheetah and Impala Mk.II. Gun pod configurations are available through manufacturers like CASA, Dassault Aviation, and Matra.
The DEFA 550 shares a close resemblance to the British ADEN cannon and utilizes compatible ammunition types.
While largely supplanted by the GIAT 30 series aboard the Dassault Rafale, the DEFA 550 continues to be widely deployed.
Variants
- DEFA 551: fitted on aircraft including the Dassault Mystère IV, Mystère IIC, and Sud Aviation Vautour
- DEFA 552: installed on models such as the Dassault Super Mystère B2, Dassault Étendard IV, and Aeritalia G.91Y
- DEFA 552A: used by Mirage III/5/50, Nesher/Dagger/Finger, Kfir, and Lavi
- DEFA 553: equipped on Mirage F1, Alpha Jet, SEPECAT Jaguar, Super Étendard, Mirage 2000D RMV, Aermacchi MB-326K, CASA C-101, Atlas Cheetah, Impala Mk II, IA-58B/C Pucará, and IA-63 Pampa
- DEFA 554: deployed on single-seat Mirage 2000, AMX A-1, IA-58D Pucará, and IA-63
Current users
- : Super Étendard Modernisé, A-4, IA-63; previously operated IA-58, Finger, Dagger, Mirage 5P, Mirage III
- : AMX; formerly utilized Mirage 2000C/B, Mirage III
- : A-36 Toqui/C-101CC; earlier employed Mirage 50, Mirage 5, Mirage III
- : Kfir Block 60; previously flew Mirage 5
- : Cheetah; earlier models included Mirage F1, Kfir, Mirage 50, Impala Mk II
- : Mirage 2000EM/BM, Mirage 5
- : Mirage 2000; past inventory included Super Étendard, Mirage F1, Jaguar, Mirage 5, Étendard IVM, Mirage III, Super Mystère B2, Mystère IV/IIC, Vautour II
- : Mirage F1; formerly operated Mirage 5
- : Mirage 2000-5 Mk2; previously used Mirage F1
- : Mirage 2000I/TI; earlier flew Mystère IV
- : Mirage F1
- : MB-339A & CD
- : Mirage F1; formerly Mirage 5
- : Mirage F1 ASTRAC
- : Mirage 5 ROSE and Mirage III
- : Mirage 2000P/DP; previously had Mirage 5P
- : Mirage 2000-5; formerly operated Mirage F1
- : Kfir
- : Mirage 2000-5
- : Mirage 2000-9; formerly used Mirage 5, Mirage III, MB-326K
Previous users
- Australia: Mirage III
- Belgium: Mirage 5
- Ghana: MB-326K
- Honduras: Super Mystère B2
- Indonesia: A-4
- Iraq: Super Étendard, Mirage F1
- Israel: A-4, Lavi, Kfir, Nesher, Mirage 5, Mirage IIIC, Super Mystère B2, Mystère IV, Vautour II
- Italy: G.91Y
- Jordan: C-101CC, Mirage F1
- Kuwait: Mirage F1
- Lebanon: Mirage III
- Portugal: G.91 R/3
- Saudi Arabia: Mirage 5
- South Africa: Cheetah, Mirage F1, Nesher, Mirage III, Impala Mk II
- Spain: Mirage F1, Mirage III
- Tunisia: MB-326K
- Venezuela: Mirage 50, Mirage 5, Mirage III
- Zaire: Mirage 5, MB-326K
See also
- ADEN cannon – British origin with a caliber of 111mm variant
- VENOM LR 30 mm – British modern ADEN derivative with a caliber of 113mm variant
- GIAT 30 – French design available in 113mm and 150mm variants
- Oerlikon KCA – Swiss design featuring a caliber of 173mm variant
- VENOM 30 mm – British design with a caliber of 173mm variant
- Mauser BK-27 – German origin with a caliber of 27mm
- R-23 cannon – Russian design chambered in 23mm caliber
- M39 cannon – American design with a caliber of 20mm
External links
- Nexter official site: DEFA 30M information sheet
- South African Air Force: DEFA cannon details
- Compilation of Military Gatling & Revolver cannons
Video links
- Video featuring an Argentinian IAI Dagger during the Battle of San Carlos