The word "barbette gun" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as "bɑːˈbɛt ɡʌn." The first syllable is pronounced as "bahr," which ends with the vowel sound "ah." The second syllable has a short "e" sound, and the "t" is a silent letter. The third syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound, and the final syllable has a short "ah" sound. This type of gun was mounted on a rotating platform located within a protective circular structure called a barbette.
A barbette gun refers to a type of artillery design commonly employed in military contexts, specifically in the domain of fortress or coastal defenses. It primarily refers to a large-caliber gun or cannon mounted within a protective armored emplacement, known as a barbette, which is typically situated on top of a fortification or similar structure. The barbette itself is an open-bottomed, cylindrical or circular structure made of concrete or steel and generally positioned at an elevated level to provide a wider field of fire.
The gun within the barbette is mounted on a rotating platform and is capable of traversing within the confined space to engage targets from a variety of angles. The term "barbette gun" is used to differentiate this type of mounting from other artillery installations such as turrets or casemates. It is worth noting that the positioning of the gun in a barbette leaves it more vulnerable to enemy fire compared to other protected installations.
Barbette guns were commonly utilized during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the era of heavily fortified coastal defenses. They played a significant role in providing firepower and protection to fortifications, offering a formidable deterrent to enemy naval forces. However, the advent of aerial attacks and advanced artillery technology eventually rendered barbette guns less relevant and feasible, leading to their gradual obsolescence.
The word "barbette" comes from the French word "barbette", which was derived from the Italian word "barbata", meaning "bearded". In the context of military fortifications, a barbette refers to a platform or armored structure on a ship or in a land-based fortification, where heavy guns are mounted. The bearded reference originates from the shape of the gun platform, resembling a chin, with the gun appearing as a "beard" hanging down. Therefore, the term "barbette gun" refers to a gun mounted on a barbette platform.