20mm Giat M693
Modèle F2 | Vektor GI2
Overview
20mm M693
20mm M693 F2 autocannon on a naval mount being fired.
Source: French MOD -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
South Africa - Vektor
GI2 (South African production)
20 M693
South Africa
Description
Introduction
The M693 is an autocannon of French origin. It was developed in the 1960's for use as vehicle armament and in the anti-aircraft role. The M693 is very similar in performance as the German Rh-202 and French/Swiss HS.820/KAD.
Design
The design of the M693 is based on the earlier 20mm M621 autocannon and it uses the same delayed blowback mechanism. The M693 mainly differs in firing the more powerful 20x139mm round and having a dual belt feed mechanism.
Firepower
The M693 is chambered for the 20x139mm NATO round, which is also used in the HS.830 and Rh-202. Cyclic rate of fire 900 rpm. The double belt feed mechanism allows the operator to quickly switch between ammunition types. APDS and HE are commonly used, but a wide range of other ammunition types is available.
Platforms
The M693 is used as main armament for several vehicles, most notably the French AMX-10P mechanized infantry combat vehicle. The South African GI2 is a license produced version which is used in the Ratel 20 infantry fighting vehicle. The M693 can also be used in a naval gun mount and arms several types of towed anti-aircraft guns.
Media
20mm GI2
Close-up of dual feed system on South African GI2 autocannon.
Source: Denel Land Systems
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
20mm M693
20mm M693 F2 autocannon on French AMX-10P mechanized infantry combat vehicle.
Source: Jean Thomas Rembert
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
20mm M693
20mm M693 F2 autocannon on a single gun naval mount in use with the French navy.
Source: Marine Nationale
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
20mm GI2
South African 20mm GI2 in a helicopter turret mount.
Source: Denel Vehicle Systems
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
20mm Giat M621
The M693 has a similar operating mechanism as the earlier M621. Whereas the M621 was meant to be as light as possible, the emphasis of the M693 lies on firepower.
20mm Rheinmetall Rh-202
The M693 uses the same 20x139mm cartridge as the Rh-202 and has a similar performance.