USS Constitution (ETW Unit)

USS Constitution (ETW Unit)
Class	Razee
Unit Size	134 men
Weaponry	47 guns
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	North America
Recruitment Cost	4296
Upkeep Cost	1070
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements	Drydock
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes

The USS Constitution is a powerful, heavy frigate in the United States Navy.

Overview

She is easily the equal of many smaller fourth rate ships of the line in terms of combat power as she carries 44 24-pounder guns; a normal frigate in another navy would carry 12-pounders at best. The Constitution is also strongly built and large, allowing her to withstand punishment from other frigates and still be able to outrun larger opposition.

Unlikely as it sounds, the United States sold off the ships of the Continental Navy after the Revolutionary War. This had unfortunate consequences because the Barbary pirates noticed that, if America was a new nation, American ships were no longer protected by any treaty signed with Britain. The USS Constitution was therefore intended to combat the pirates. Even more incredibly, once a treaty with the pirates had been signed, construction was suspended! Eventually, Congress agreed to fund the ship, and she was launched in 1797.

In 1801 the Constitution was used as a flagship during the First Barbary War, but her most famous action was in fighting the Royal Navy’s HMS Guerriere (captured from the French in 1806) during the War of 1812. During the vicious close-in battle, British shot bounced off the thick planking of the Constitution, giving rise to her nickname “Old Ironsides”.

Details

This strong American frigates is the equivalent of the Razees available to other nations, in speed, hull strength and firepower. As such it is fully capable of overwhelming any trade vessel and indeed any warship up to the size of a 5th Rate with ease. If used carefully, one or two of these vessels can disable a ship of the line, especially 3rd and 4th Rates, due to the heavy artillery they carry. However, one must remember that they are still only frigates, and as such will not be able to stand up to a ship of the line in a protracted engagement, and certainly not if the ship of the line has any nearby support. It's price must also be taken into account, it's incredibly expensive; the most expensive unit available to the United States in fact. It costs more than a Heavy First Rate while lacking the sheer firepower and presence those ships command. All this means it's relegated to the role of a flavour unit.

Factions

• United States