Demi-cannon
Template:Cannon The demi-cannon was a medium-sized cannon, similar to but slightly larger than a culverin and smaller than a regular Template:Convert cannon, developed in the early 17th century.Template:Sfn A full cannon fired a 42-pound shot, but these were discontinued in the 18th century as they were seen as too unwieldy. The lower tiers of 18th century English warships were usually equipped with demi-cannons.
Ships featuring demi-cannons included Sovereign of the Seas,[1] ResolutionTemplate:Sfn and James, which fought in the Anglo-Dutch naval wars. Demi-cannons were also used on HMS Stirling Castle, the wreck of which was discovered in the Goodwin Sands. Several examples of this weapon were recovered from the site.Template:Sfn
The barrels of demi-cannon were typically Template:Convert long, had a calibre of Template:Convert and could weigh up to Template:Convert. It required Template:Convert of black powder to fire a Template:Convert round shot. The demi-cannon had an effective range of Template:Convert.Template:Sfn
These 32-pounders were used during the 18th century on first-rate ships of the line which carried up to 100 guns. Though powerful, the naval demi-cannons were inaccurate, except at close range, which allowed warships to cause as much damage as possible. Sometimes a single broadside was enough to cripple the enemy vessel.[2]
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