Bomb Ketch (ETW Unit)
| Bomb Ketch (ETW Unit) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Bomb Ketch |
| Unit Size | |
| Weaponry | 15 guns |
| Morale | |
| Melee Attack | |
| Ranged Attack | |
| Defence | |
| Charge Bonus | |
| Accuracy | |
| Range | |
| Ammunition | |
| Region | Global |
| Recruitment Cost | 1260 |
| Upkeep Cost | 310 |
| Turns to Build | |
| Unit Limit | |
| Building Requirements | |
| Technology Requirements | |
| Attributes | |
Game Description
Strongly-built bomb ketches must withstand the recoil of repeated mortar discharges. Often chains replace the rigging ropes nearest the mortar to prevent muzzle blast damage. They are the only naval vessels to carry and use explosive shells, making them a hazardous assignment. As a mark of all their explosive qualities, they often had volcanic names! The fact that the ketch should be at anchor in order to fire accurately also makes them easy targets for any return fire.
Bomb ketches are not good sailing ships. The mortar has to be on the centre line, with a clear vertical field of fire. This means that the masts had to be aft of their ideal positions, making the ship handling qualities rather poor. With these limitations in mind, however, they are a powerful addition to any admiral’s firepower. The ability to deliver shells by indirect fire (lobbing shells into fortifications, for example) is very useful.
Historically, the bomb ketch was a French invention, but other nations perfected the idea. The British mounted the mortar on a rotating platform so that it was no longer necessary to move the whole vessel to change aim. “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the US national anthem, commemorates these ships with the line “the bombs bursting in air.”
Overview
Bomb Ketches are support ship available fairly early on in the game. They are very slow and have poor maneuverability, along with extremely weak hull strength and broadside firepower. They make up for all these deficiencies with their forward-firing mortars, which they can hurl at a safe distance towards enemy ships.
Bomb Ketches can sometimes knock down masts from a good distance; however, they are rather unreliable at that. As fighting ships, they are simply horrible. They have a tendency to explode at the slightest touch.
