Obusier de vaisseau

Obusier de vaisseau

Obusier de 36, modèle 1787. On display at the Musée national de la Marine
Type naval gun
Place of origin France
Service history
In service 1787-1805
Used by France
Production history
Produced 1787
Specifications
Barrel length 85 cm
Crew 5

Calibre 36-pounder

The Obusier de vaisseau was a large calibre but light piece of naval artillery mounted on French warships of the Age of sail. Designed to fire explosive shells at a low velocity, they were an answer to the carronade in the close combat and anti-personnel role. However, their intended ammunition proved too dangerous for the crew, and the French navy phased them out at the beginning of the Empire in favour of the carronade.

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