Artillery Upgrades
 

Design new barrel types: unicorn, carronade

IIn the 17th and 18th centuries, artillery was significantly improved - guns became the norm and were more durable. In 1757, count Shuvalov introduced the unicorn cannon, which was lighter than the earlier guns. This cannon model was a predecessor of the howitzers and aided to win many victories in the Seven Years' War. In 1779, British general Melwille invented quite a new type of gun that significantly changed the armament of many European military fleets. It was a short-barrelled gun of a very large calibre that launched heavy cannonballs at short range and caused terrible damage to wooden vessels. Such projectiles could tear a huge hole in a ship's side, loosen the hull and cause dangerous cracks. The gun was of no use at long distances, but most artillery duels took place at short or medium ranges. These powerful cannon were originally manufactured by Carron Ironworks Company, Scotland, which is why they were named carronades. They significantly increased vessels' broadside power.