The World Warships

Warships have undergone significant transformations over the course of 400 years, adapting to the advancements in technology. From the era of galleys to the era of aircraft carriers, warships have played vital roles in military strategies. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle stands as the largest vessel in the French Navy, capable of carrying approximately 30 aircraft such as the Rafale and Hawkeye, as well as helicopters for logistical and defensive purposes. With a nuclear propulsion system, this carrier has the ability to project military force across the globe and target any location. In contrast, galleys relied on oars for propulsion and had limited navigational capabilities. Despite this, galleys boasted exceptional hydrodynamic performance due to their sleek hull design and low profile in the water. Each galley required a crew of 255 men, utilizing their body weight and wooden "palomon" structures for rowing. The evolution of warships from galleys to modern frigates marked a significant shift in firepower, with galleys being phased out in 1680 due to their lack of cannons.

Modern frigates are equipped with impressive firepower and long-range capabilities. Naval combat tactics have evolved to the line of battle to ensure precision and stability. The line of battle consists of vanguard, battle corps, and rear guard for effective coordination. Warfare strategies have shifted towards intimidation and territorial occupation rather than solely focusing on ship destruction. The design of warships requires a delicate balance between hull length and width to achieve optimal performance. Lengthening the hull allows for more cannons but necessitates widening to maintain stability. Ship design, construction, and technology have advanced from manual craftsmanship to sophisticated 3D software. Masts, sails, and rigging play a crucial role in determining ship speed and maneuverability. The masting machine, standing at 70 meters tall, assists in the installation of masts and lifting heavy loads. Various types of sails, such as rectangular/trapezium for speed and triangular/square for maneuvering, are utilized. Efficient ships demand meticulous planning and coordination. The cost of ships was substantial, reaching up to one million pounds in the late 18th century. France established construction standards and training programs to excel in shipbuilding. The development of powerful and accurate artillery was a significant advancement in historical ships. Ships like Sanayander's, with standardized blueprints, revolutionized ship construction in the 18th century. Modern warships prioritize stealth to minimize radar visibility and appear smaller on screens. Stealth and firepower remain crucial elements in naval warfare.

The shapes and configurations of ships have a significant impact on radar detection. The evolution of naval warfare has transitioned from intimidation to annihilation, with a focus on naval battle dynamics and strategies. The positioning of ships and cannons is crucial for optimal firing, taking into account the impact of noise, smoke, and chaos on the crew during battle. France utilized technological innovation to compensate for financial inferiority, with the shell gun developed by Joseph Paxon proving to be effective in warfare. The adoption of steam power in warships faced resistance and skepticism, but ultimately revolutionized warships in the 19th century. French engineer Stanislas Dupreed designed the first steam-powered warship, Napoleon, which led to the creation of iron-clad vessels. The introduction of steam power made it essential for warship operations, and France's Gloa became the world's first ironclad ship, marking a breakthrough in naval architecture. The evolution of naval warfare technology led to a technological race between armor plating and guns, resulting in the development of massive guns and thicker armor plates. The invention of the gun turret revolutionized warships, culminating in the creation of the dreadnought by England in 1905, marking the age of big guns and torpedoes.

The English recognized the strategic benefit of large artillery capable of reaching distances of 22 kilometers. The torpedo transformed from a basic, improvised device into a formidable danger to naval vessels. The advent of aircraft carriers brought about a significant change in naval combat. These carriers exposed massive ships to risks due to their inadequate aerial defenses. Future warships must confront the complexities of planning and design for the next half-century.