6-lber Horse Artillery (ETW Unit)

6-lber Horse Artillery (ETW Unit)
Class	Horse Artillery
Unit Size	12 men
Weaponry	6-lber Cannon
Morale	3
Melee Attack	6
Ranged Attack
Defence	4
Charge Bonus	8
Accuracy	50
Range	400
Ammunition	Unlimited
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	870
Upkeep Cost	210
Turns to Build	2
Unit Limit	None
Building Requirements	Great Arsenal
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can Hide in Woodland;

Intended to keep up with rapidly-advancing mounted forces, horse artillery batteries have a touch of “cavalry dash” about them.

Overview

Horse artillery units are distinguished from other types of artillery forces because everyone rides into battle: drivers ride the horses, while gun crews are often given seats on the gun limbers. The cannons assigned to horse artillery units usually fire relatively small caliber rounds although, as always, the weight of shot is used to designate different horse artillery types. The weight of fire is considered to be less important than the speed with which it can be moved to a firing position, deployed, and then removed to a new site. This is what gives horse artillery its appeal to generals: the ability to rapidly give fire from almost anywhere on the battlefield. Horse artillery can be used as a flexible reserve, or to exploit a weakness in an enemy line.

Historically, in many countries horse artillery developed a cavalry-like air of being an elite force. This attitude is entirely understandable. Dragging heavy artillery pieces across country at the gallop is an inherently dangerous thing to do, even without people shooting at you!

Details

Horse artillery trades the firepower of foot artillery for very high mobility, deploying firepower where it is needed quickly and efficiently. They do take some time to unlimber, though, so be sure to leave some space between the artillery and their target. 6-pounders have all of the advantages of 3-pounders and no additional disadvantages, retaining their high mobility, while boasting heavier firepower. 6-pounders are the best type of horse artillery available to most armies, although the French have access to even better horse artillery-the powerful 18-pounders.