Q&A · 3:28:33-3:28:47

What distinguished a sloop from an aviso?

Sloop and aviso described broadly similar small-warship duties in different naval traditions.

Question

What is the difference between a sloop and an aviso?

Short answer

There was little functional difference in many cases. Aviso was especially associated with French and Italian usage.

Notes

Sloop and aviso often described broadly similar small-warship roles. Aviso was associated particularly with French and Italian usage. The difference was largely one of national terminology.