Carronade

By Crusader1307

Carronades were short barrel, cast iron cannon developed and used by England from the 1770s to to the mid-19th Century. Designed to be used primarily as Naval pieces, they were use as anti-ship and personnel devices. Although smoothbore, they were reliable and effective (even well past the implementation of the many rifled barrel systems). Considered a "low velocity" weapon, they were sea carriage mounted (rolling sled type). They could fore round shot, Canister and Grapeshot. Due to the barrel being short, however - ships would have to close in tight (to inflict maximum damage, which also exposed one to enemy snipers). Deployed on upper decks, they were often deployed in higher caliber of shell shot so as to inflict as much damage as possible the fire volley or salvo. The "standard" shell size deployed was 32-pounds. However versions were made in 6, 12, 18 and 24 pound types. There even were "larger" versions at 68-pounds! Carronades were not usually "counted" in ships Gun number. A ship of the line (Warship), may carry 48 guns (and identified as such). The same ship may have had an additional 10 or 15 Carronades as well.