100 mm CADAM gun turret

Also known as

Canon de 100 mm modèle 68 CADAM
100 mm modèle 68 CADAM
100 mm CADAM
100/55 mm CADAM
French 100 mm naval gun

The 100 mm CADAM gun turret is France's automatic 100 mm naval mount, the CADAM-standard version of the modèle 68 family used on frigates and avisos. It combines a 55-caliber barrel, 78-rounds-per-minute rate of fire, and broad French and export service across surface combatants.

100 mm CADAM gun turret, Naval 100 mm gun turret, Naval Systems

Image source: Wikimedia Commons: F790_Lieutenant_de_vaisseau_Lavallee_in_Narvik.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: France
Built by: Naval GroupDCNS
Type: Naval 100 mm gun turret
Service note: 1958-present
Designer: Tonnelé
Designed: 1953-1961
Produced: 1961-present

naval surface warfare100 mm gun

Specifications

Caliber: 100 mm
Barrel length: 55 calibres
Mass: 22 tonnes
Crew: 2 on the modèle 68; later versions became fully automatic
Rate of fire: 60, 78, or 90 rounds per minute depending on version; CADAM standard restores 78 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 870 m/s
Effective firing range: 17,000 m at 40 degrees elevation
Ammunition: 100x700 mmR cartridge

Variants

Modèle 53
Modèle 64
Modèle 68
Modèle 100 TR
Compact

Carrier Platforms

The published armament fit for the D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso includes a single 100 mm CADAM turret.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso, Aviso / light corvette class, Naval Systems

D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso

Aviso / light corvette class

Class references list one 100 mm CADAM gun turret in the standard armament fit for the D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso.

Sources: Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso

Family Variants

The French 100 mm family split into several turret generations around loading method, automation, and firing rate.

Variant	Key change	Reader note
Modèle 53	First family version	Manual first-round feed, then recoil-assisted loading, with a rate of fire up to 60 rounds per minute.
Modèle 64	Improved follow-on model	Direct offspring of the modèle 53 with a 78 rounds per minute rate of fire and compatibility with firing computers.
Modèle 68 CADAM	CADAM upgrade standard	Lightened turret model whose CADAM standard restored the 78 rounds per minute firing rate.
Modèle 100 TR	Stealth derivative	Mechanically similar to the modèle 68, with manual control removed for La Fayette-class frigate use.
Compact	Export pattern	Lighter export version, with later Mk 2 versions firing up to 90 rounds per minute in short bursts.

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In French naval service from 1958; the CADAM standard restored the modèle 68 family to a 78-rounds-per-minute firing rate.

Media

100 mm CADAM gun turret Images

100 mm CADAM gun turret, Naval 100 mm gun turret, Naval Systems - view 1 — Source: Wikimedia Commons: Aviso Premier maitre l'her P1040830-1.JPG

100 mm CADAM gun turret, Naval 100 mm gun turret, Naval Systems - view 2 — Source: Wikimedia Commons: Commandant L'Herminier-IMG 9065.JPG

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Sources

Wikipedia: French 100 mm naval gunPublisher: Wikipedia | Note: Supports the French 100 mm naval gun family, the CADAM standard, origin, designer, manufacturer, service dates, variants, and technical specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves-class avisoPublisher: Seaforces.org | Note: Supports the D'Estienne d'Orves-class / A69 type aviso armament fit that includes a 100 mm CADAM gun turret. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons: F790_Lieutenant_de_vaisseau_Lavallee_in_Narvik.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports primary image provenance for a French 100 mm turret photo on Lieutenant de vaisseau Lavallée. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons: Aviso Premier maitre l'her P1040830-1.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance and open-license context for a French aviso carrying the 100 mm turret. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Wikimedia Commons: Commandant L'Herminier-IMG 9065.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance and open-license context for a French aviso carrying the 100 mm turret. | Accessed: 2026-06-27