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The initial DEFA 551 was developed in the late 1940s. It was based on the German Mauser MG213C , an experimental revolver cannon developed for the Luftwaffe, but not used in combat (the same weapon inspired the American M39 cannon and the very similar British ADEN cannon). As the DEFA 552 it entered production in 1954. In 1968 an upgraded version, Canon 550-F3, was developed, entering production in 1971 as the DEFA 553. The new version provided a new feed system, nitro-chrome steel barrel, forged drum casing, and improved electrical reliability.

The DEFA 553 is a gas-operated five-chamber revolver cannon using pyrotechnic cocking and electrical ignition. The weapon is 1.66 m (65.35 in) long and weighs 85 kg (187.4 lb) complete, rising to 160 kg (352.7 lb) with feed mechanism and empty magazine. It fires a range of 30mm ammunition in various types, with an average projectile weight of 243 g (8.6 oz). Its rate of fire is about 1,300 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of about 815 m/s (2,674 ft/s). It is capable of continuous fire or of 0.5 second or 1 second bursts.

The 553 was superceded by the DEFA 554, which incorporates a number of detail improvements. The DEFA 554 uses three, rather than two, of the chambers for reloading, increasing rate of fire. Barrel life and mechanical reliability are improved, and an electrical control unit now allows the pilot to select two rates of fire: 1,800 rounds per minute for air-to-air use or 1,200 rounds per minute for air-to-ground attacks. The 554 also provides three pyrotechnic cartridges rather than one, allowing the pilot to cock the weapon only after take-off while still having two cartridges to recock in flight.

The DEFA 550 series was the standard cannon armament of all gun-armed French fighters from 1954 until the advent of the Dassault Rafale in the 1980s. A pair of these weapons, with 125-135 rounds per gun, is standard fit on the Dassault MD 450 Ouragan , Dassault Mystere , Mirage III/VThe Dassault Mirage III is a supersonic fighter aircraft designed in France during the 1950s, and manufactured both in France and a number of other countries. It was one of the most successful fighter aircraft ever made, being sold to many air forces arou, Dassault EtendardFrench aircraft manufacturer Dassault used the name Etendard ("Standard", in the sense of a flag or banner) for a family of related aircraft projects beginning in the late 1950s. Versions that at least reached prototype stage were: Dassault Etendard II, a and Dassault Super EtendardThe Dassault Super Etendard is a French carrier-borne "strike" fighter in service with the French and Argentine Navy. A small number were also flown by the Iraqi Air Force for a brief period during the Iran-Iraq War. It is a development of the earlier Ete, Sud Aviation VautourThe Sud Aviation (SNCASO) S. 4050 Vautour II was a French bomber, interceptor, and attack aircraft used by the Armee de l'Air (AdA) and the Israeli Heyl Ha'Avir''. History In June 1951 the French Armee de l'Air issued a requirement for a jet aircraft capa, Mirage F1, French SEPECAT JaguarThe SEPECAT Jaguar is an Anglo-French ground attack aircraft in service with the Armee de l'Air, the Royal Air Force and several export customers, notably India. It was the product of the world's first bi-national military aircraft program. The Jaguar pros, and the Mirage 2000 series. It was also used on the Israeli IAI Nesher, IAI Kfir, and IAI Lavi , the Italian Aermacchi MB-326K and the South African Atlas Cheetah. Various podded installations are available from CASA, Dassault Aviation, and Matra.

The DEFA 550 is very similar to the British ADEN cannon, and can use the same ammunition.

The DEFA 550 series has now given way to the GIAT 30 series used on the Rafale, although it is likely to remain in widespread use for many years to come.