barbette

military technology

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A barbette is a military technology that refers to a protective structure or platform for guns. It can be an earth mound or a protected platform designed for artillery to fire over a parapet. Alternatively, on warships, a barbette is an armored structure that protects a gun turret. A barbette gun is simply a gun that is mounted in a barbette. The term was first used in 1772.12

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artillery
Coast guns
In the 1890s the “barbette” mounting for coastal-defense guns became the preferred pattern. Here the mounting was in a shallow pit, protected from enemy fire, but the muzzle and upper shield were permanently in view, firing across a parapet that helped protect the gunners. This type of mounting was…
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In the 1890s the “barbette” mounting for coastal-defense guns became the preferred pattern. Here the mounting was in a shallow pit, protected from enemy fire, but the muzzle and upper shield were permanently in view, firing across a parapet that helped protect the gunners. This type of mounting was…
Read More