The bomb ketch was a specialized warship built around one or two heavy mortars mounted forward, designed to bombard fortified coastal targets. Bomb ketches were central to naval campaigns against the Barbary corsairs, including the American bombardment of Tripoli in 1804.
Quick Facts
| Ship Class | Warship/Bombardment |
|---|---|
| Era Used | late 17th-early 19th century |
| Typical Crew | ~60-70 |
| Guns / Cannons | 1-2 heavy mortars plus light guns |
| Speed / Handling | Slow, purpose-built for stationary bombardment |
| Notable Use | Used in the U.S. Navy's 1804 bombardment of Tripoli during the First Barbary War |
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