The name frigate survived, but armour, steam machinery, and much heavier guns made these ships fundamentally different from their sailing predecessors. The demand for heavier weapons encouraged turrets and all-round firing arcs because a small number of powerful guns could no longer form a traditional broadside. Once machinery became reliable, masts turned into obstructions. Turrets also reduced the tactical penalty of presenting the bow or stern because heavy weapons could cover more bearings than a sailing-era broadside.
Notable Point · 2:22-4:50
Why the ironclad frigate broke the sailing-ship model
A single-deck armoured ship with steam power and unprecedented heavy guns could outmatch the old ship of the line.