The French convoy included a 64-gun ship of the line described as armed en flûte. In this transport configuration she had landed roughly half her guns so she could move faster and carry troops. Her nominal rate therefore overstated the firepower she could bring to the action. The explanation is useful when reading fleet lists because a vessel's rated class did not always describe her current fighting load.
Notable Point · 31:20-31:49
What arming a ship en flûte meant
A French 64-gun ship in the convoy had landed about half her guns to carry troops, showing why a vessel's nominal rate could overstate her immediate fighting power.