The original Model 1968 was a lighter version of the 100 mm/55 Model 1953 but was capable of fully automatic firing. Later versions added a digital FCS. The Model 1968 mountings can be distinguished from the older mountings by the single local control cupola on the left face.
The Model 1968 CADAM (short for cadence améliorée - "improved firing") - was an enhancement program instituted during the late 1980s. During major refits, some older ships had their Model 1968 mountings removed and replaced with the Model 1968 CADAM.
The Model 1968-II or Model 100 TR (technologie rénovée - "renovated technology") was an enhancement program of the 1990s to improve reliability and operation. The gunhouse for this model is made out of composite materials so as to reduce the radar signature (low RCS). It can be easily distinguished from earlier models by its more angular design and by the lack of hand grips on its front face. As these mountings do not have any provision for local control, they lack the control cupolas of the earlier models.
| Designation | 100 mm/55 (3.9") Model 1968
100 mm/55 (3.9") Model 1968 CADAM 100 mm/55 (3.9") Model 1968-II |
|---|---|
| Ship Class Used On | Model 1968 and CADAM: Tourville, Georges Leygues, d'Estienne d'Orves, Floréal and Cassard classes Rebuilt Surcouf (T47) class and Colbert
Model 1968-II: La Fayette class |
| Date Of Design | 1968 |
| Date In Service | Model 1968: 1971
Model 1968 CADAM: 1986 Model 1968-II: 1996 |
| Gun Weight | N/A |
| Gun Length oa | N/A |
| Bore Length | 216.5 in (5.500 m) |
| Rifling Length | N/A |
| Grooves | N/A |
| Lands | N/A |
| Twist | N/A |
| Chamber Volume | N/A |
| Rate Of Fire | Model 1968: 60 rounds per minute
Model 1968 CADAM: 78 rounds per minute Model 1968-II: 78 - 80 rounds per minute |
| Type | Fixed |
|---|---|
| Weight of Complete Round | 51.8 lbs. (23.5 kg) |
| Projectile Types and Weights | OEA F1 HE: 29.8 lbs. (13.5 kg)
OPF F4 PFHE: 29.8 lbs. (13.5 kg) Illum 1: 29.8 lbs. (13.5 kg) |
| Bursting Charge | HE: 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg)
PFHE: 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg) - Shell contains 1,350 high density steel balls of 1 gram each |
| Projectile Length | N/A
Complete round: 42.7 in (108.5 cm) |
| Propellant Charge | 9.9 lbs. (4.5 kg) |
| Muzzle Velocity | New gun: 2,844 fps (867 mps)
Average gun: 2,805 fps (855 mps) |
| Working Pressure | 17.9 tons/in2 (2,825 kg/cm2) |
| Approximate Barrel Life | 3,000 rounds at high rates of fire
6,000 rounds at lower rates of fire |
| Ammunition stowage per gun | about 600 rounds 2 |
| Elevation | Distance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Range @ 45 degrees | 18,876 yards (17,260 m) |
| Effective Range | 13,120 yards (12,000 m) |
| AA Ceiling | 19,700 feet (6,000 m) |
| Designation | Single Mount 1a:
Colbert (2), Tourville (2), Georges Leygues (1), d'Estienne d'Orves (1), Floréal (1) and Cassard (1): Model 1968 or Model 1968 CADAM
|
|---|---|
| Weight | 21 tons (22 mt) |
| Elevation | -5 / +80 degrees |
| Rate of Elevation | Model 1968: 25 degrees per second
Model 1968 CADAM and Model 1968-II: 29 degrees per second |
| Train | -150 / +150 degrees |
| Rate of Train | 40 degrees per second |
| Gun Recoil | N/A |
- ^Some Surcouf (T47) and Duperré (T53) class destroyers and the AA cruiser Colbert were rebuilt and rearmed with these guns. For example, Duperré (D633) was originally completed in 1957 with six 127 mm/54 and six 57 mm/60 guns. She was rebuilt in 1980 with a single 100 mm/55 Model 1968 and an Exocet missile battery.
"The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems 1991/1992" by Norman Friedman
"Jane's Ammunition Handbook: Ninth Edition 2000-2001" edited by Terry J. Gander and Charles Q. Cutshaw
"Jane's Fighting Ships: 1998-99" edited by Capt. Richard Sharpe RN
"Defense & Armament Heracles International" Issue #70, February 1988
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Marine Nationale Press Releases and Articles
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Special help by Matthew Rodchenko
08 November 2008 - Benchmark
28 March 2012 - Updated to latest template
24 August 2021 - Updated to HTML 5 format and reorganized notes