Aerial Guardians: How KNDS France Empowers Fighter Jets and Helicopters
- KNDS France showcases its airborne medium-caliber solutions, characterized by proven and impressive performance;
- Defense sector projects are boosting the production of KNDS France’s airborne medium-caliber systems, manufactured at the KNDS site in Bourges;
- Whether utilizing 20 mm or 30 mm, the aerial systems deployed on the RAFALE and the TIGER deliver unmatched efficiency.
KNDS France: Leading European Expert in Airborne Medium Caliber
KNDS France is emphasizing its airborne medium-caliber technologies, bolstered by its expertise in weaponry and ammunition integration. KNDS France has successfully delivered over 780 mounts currently active abroad, including with various European defense forces such as Germany and Romania, in addition to the French Armed Forces.
All of KNDS France’s airborne medium-caliber technologies are thoroughly tested and actively manufactured. These include the 30mm cannons for the RAFALE fighter jet (30M791) and the TIGER assault helicopter (30M781), alongside 20mm cannons utilized in a variety of mounts on H145M, H225M, and LCH combat helicopters. These systems have been rigorously evaluated in diverse operational settings, including Mali, Lebanon, and Afghanistan.
Manufacturing Excellence Focused on High-Intensity Conflict and Progress
To meet rising demands, industrial strategies aligned with wartime economic principles have enabled KNDS France to elevate the production of its medium-caliber mounts. This includes a significant surge in the output rate of 30mm systems and a twofold escalation in 20mm mount manufacturing over the last three years.
KNDS France remains vigilant and flexible to evolving technologies and operational needs. Innovation thus serves as a vital cornerstone in the enhancement of airborne medium-caliber systems. Smart munitions are among the prominent areas of ongoing research and development.
Operational Superiority of KNDS France’s Aerial Systems
The 20mm systems, founded on the 20M621 model, are specifically tailored for aviation, offering recoil comparable to a 12.7mm machine gun while delivering considerably greater terminal effect. This includes the under-cabin turret mount (THL20), chosen by Romanian and Indian forces; the pod-mounted variant (20M621), recently embraced by German armed forces; and the door-mounted version (SH20), favored by special operations units. The 20M621 cannon aligns seamlessly with the operational needs of air, land, and naval forces.
KNDS France also offers 30mm cannons, including the 30M781. In its under-cabin turret configuration (THL30), it equips the TIGER helicopter and is also accessible in a land-based version.
Finally, KNDS France is exhibiting the fastest single-barrel cannon worldwide, which is currently equipped on the RAFALE. With an instantaneous firing rate of 2,500 rounds per minute, the 30M791 delivers over 40 shells per second at a velocity of 1,000 m/s.
