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A cannon is a type of artillery, usually large and tubular in shape, that uses gunpowder to propel a projectile over a distance. Cannons vary in size, range, mobility, rate of fire, and fire power; different types of cannon combine these attributes in varying degrees to carry out their intended purpose. They were first used in China, and were the earliest form of gunpowder artillery.[1] The first cannon in Europe were probably used by the Moors in the 12th century, at Saragossa, Spain.[2] English cannon were first used during the Hundred Years War, when small, primitive cannon were used at the Battle of Crécy, in 1346. The end of the Middle Ages saw the introduction of more standardised and effective cannon. In modern military use, cannon generally refers to a high velocity, low trajectory, direct fire weapon, such as the main gun on most main battle tanks.
The many types of cannon have evolved over time: from the early Arab hand cannon and Great Turkish Bombards, to the first wheeled cannon—such as the field gun or falconet—and the more modern guns, for example the howitzer, or the rapid-fire autocannon.
- ^ "Cannons and Gunpowder". Retrieved 2008-01-24.
- ^ Manucy, Albert (1994). Artillery Through the Ages: A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasising Types Used in America. DIANE publishing. p. 92. ISBN 0788107453. Retrieved 2008-01-24.