Swivel gun
The swivel gun is a small naval cannon mounted on a rotating post which allows it to pivot for a wide arc of fire.[1][2][3]
Design
With a higher rate-of-fire, the swivel gun was used throughout the 18th century as an anti-personnel emplacement on the quarterdecks of warships to supplement the larger main cannons. Although it boasted less destructive force against anything larger than a schooner, a single shot from a swivel gun was generally sufficient to sink gunboats. With their greater mobility, it was also a common tactic to use swivel guns to precisely target any gunpowder storage that had been exposed through an enemy's ship hull in the heat of battle.[1][2][3]
History
The early 18th century pirate and later Assassin Edward Kenway installed a pair of swivel guns on his ship, the Jackdaw.[2] During the same period, no matter how many ships he switched, French pirate Alonzo Batilla always installed a pair of swivel guns on his ship.[3] The Assassin warship Aquila captained by Edward's grandson Ratonhnhaké:ton during the American Revolutionary War also featured a pair of swivel guns, and he used it to devastating effect against British frigates at the Battle of the Chesapeake.[4]
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed III (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- Assassin's Creed: Pirates
- Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple