Falconet (cannon)
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- For other uses, see Falconet
The falconet was a light cannon developed during middle ages. Its barrel was approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) long, had a caliber of 2 inches (5 cm) and weighed approximately 500 pounds (227 kg). The falconet used 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) of black powder to fire a 1 pound (0.5 kg) round shot approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 m).[1][2] They could also be used to fire grapeshot.
Though developed for use on land, the falconet gained naval prominence during the 17th century for the defence of light vessels; for example, on small boats for boarding manoeuvres. They were heavily used in the American Revolution.
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