Compared to the CN-90-F1, which equips the AML-90 4 x 4 armored car and other light vehicles, the F3 has a longer barrel (it measures 50 calibers compared to 33 calibers), fires similar ammunition at higher velocities and can use the armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS) round.

The Mk III variant of the CV90 is a further development of the CV90 Mk II. The areas that underwent the most development were lethality, fightability, electronic architecture, survivability and mobility.

The 90mm CN-90-F3 cannon fires fin-stabilized OCC90 HEAT shells at a muzzle velocity of 750 m/s. A 1 km range the HEAT shells can penetrate 320 mm RHA at an optimal 0° angle. This is double the penetration of the 75mm AP shell at the same range. The autoloader system still holds 12 shells and provides a high rate of fire.

The 90 mm gun M1/M2/M3 was an American heavy anti-aircraft and anti-tank gun, playing a role similar to the German 8.8cm Flak 18. It had a 3.5 in (90 mm) diameter bore, and a 50 caliber barrel, giving it a length of 15 ft (4.6 m).

All three guns use a triple-baffle muzzle brake (except the Mk III MA1 which can fire APFSDS-T projectiles). The Mk III gun has a breech mechanism for recocking in the event of a misfire; the Mks I and II do not.

This page is about the French tank cannon CN90 F3 (90 mm). For other versions, see CN90 F2 (90 mm) and CN90 F4 (90 mm).

Two versions of the ERC entered production in large numbers: the ERC-90 Lynx and the ERC-90 Sagaie. The main difference between the two versions is the type of turret and 90 mm gun fitted. Sagaie is French for assegai, a type of African spear. The ERC was originally a private venture aimed at the export market.

Weapons: 90mm Mk3 M-A1 HE - (Scorpion 90, Cockerill Turret) Gun Surface Max: 1.9 km. Land Max: 1.9 km.

The AMX-13/90 C90 uses a bigger, low-pressure 90 mm CN 90 F2 tank gun, similar to how the Panhard Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance (E.B.R.) Modèle 1951 was modified to become the Modèle 1963 Revalorisé. It was designed to compensate for the French Army's lack of anti-tank capabilities at the time.

The long-barreled CN90 F4 gun is able to deal with most main battle tanks from the side aspect, and some, like the T-55, from the frontal aspect. The vehicle is powered by a Baudouin 6 F11 SRX- V-8 diesel engine developing 300 hp, coupled to a semiautomatic transmission.