Image source: topwar.ru
The French companies Thales and KNDS France have developed the RAPIDFire anti-aircraft complex, the warhead of which is a 40 mm CT40 cannon, which fires so-called "telescopic" ammunition in which the projectile is "sunk" inside a cartridge case with a powder charge. This technology made it possible to make the projectile feeding mechanism compact, like a 25 mm cannon, but with a 40 mm caliber capacity.
The ship's version of the RAPIDFire was designated S40SA. It operates at a distance of up to 4 km and maintains a rate of fire of up to 200 rounds per minute. Its first production model was installed in 2023 on the new tanker BRF Jacques Chevalier. The complex has become standard for Kimon-type frigates being built for the Greek Navy. It will also be installed on French OPV patrol ships under construction.
Image source: topwar.ru
The developers commented on the combat capabilities of the S40SA:
The remote-controlled system is equipped with its own built-in electro-optical control system (with camera, thermal imager, laser rangefinder). It can work on air and sea targets, firing both standard projectiles and the latest A3B "smart" ammunition with programmable detonation. They create a cloud of 200 tungsten balls and are optimally suited to combat small, high-speed targets such as UAVs. This is why RAPIDFire is called a "drone strike."
Image source: topwar.ru
As a result of the operation of the S40SA, an improved modification was created, which, as explained in the Ministry of Defense, "now has high shooting accuracy, excellent target acquisition and tracking characteristics, as well as high reliability and excellent capabilities for using programmable detonation ammunition."
The military department intends to further improve the S40SA, improving the compatibility of the anti-aircraft complex with advanced ammunition with programmable detonation.
