more than 80 cannon, 3rd - more than 50, 4th - more than 38, 5th.In 1653, the British Admiralty divided ships into six ranks: 1 st - more than 90 cannon, 2nd ![]() Gunsmiths established standard calibre cannon in repeatable work and made it possible to rank vessels according to the number of cannon they carried. Otherwise the enemy would always find a weak spot and breach the formation. However, for a fleet to be really strong, the column had to consist of many similar vessels. Amazingly, some battles were actually won thanks to them.īy the mid-17th century, vessels were grouped in strict columns, which made them much more efficient. Small ships packed full with explosives and inflammables drifted down wind to their targets. Artillery was used inefficiently and vessels often prevented each other from firing. Before a battle, ships would form a line which crumbled in combat, turning the battle into a chaotic scramble. The improved vessels were armed with artillery placed at the sides. In time, their rigging was improved and their displacement increased. However, they were strongly dependent on wind. Thanks to their high sides, these ships could withstand heavy weather. They featured the most powerful weapons and the highest degree of manoeuvrability.Įuropean ships with rectangular rigging were unusually fast for sailing ships. Battleships intended for conquering and domination at sea were the heart of the navy from the mid-1 7th century onwards.
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