ShieldAfrica 2021: Sofema showcases HADèS20® armament system.

French Company Sofema, specialized in the refurbishing of combat armored and military equipment exhibits the HADèS20® armament system during Shield Africa 2021, in Abidjan.

HADèS20® armament system based on MG93 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This system has been developed under Sofema’s supervision; it consists of a 20mm M693 (CN MIT 20 F2) gun mounted on a tailor-made carriage.

The GIAT Industries 20 mm F2 (otherwise known as M693) is a dual feed autocannon which fires the standard 20x139 mm munitions. It is a gas operated autocannon that has three firing modes, those being single shot, burst and safe. The gas system of the weapon operates via two vents on either side of the barrel, through which the gases push against the two pistons. While firing, the two pistons are pushed back, moving the struts backwards so that the breech block can move to the rear. In this way, all the firing forces are developed along the barrel centerline which maximizes accuracy.

Main calibre of the weapon is the 20x139 mm bullet. The length of the autocannon is 2,600 mm, while the barrel itself is 90 calibres (1,800 mm). The height of the autocannon was 260 mm and the weight was 71 kg. Rate of fire can be up to 900 rounds per minute, with the penetration force of up to 57 mm.