Heated shot

Mobile furnace, operated by the Royal Norwegian Navy, in order to heat cannon shots (ca. 1860)

Heated shot is the heating of round shot before firing from muzzle-loading cannons. The purpose is for setting fire to enemy warships, buildings, or equipment.

The use of hot shot dates back centuries. It was stopped when vessels armored with iron replaced wooden warships in the world's navies. It was a powerful weapon against wooden warships, where fire was always a hazard. It was mainly used on shore batteries and forts, due to the need for a special furnace to heat the shot.

The use of heated shot from a ship was so dangerous, that it was against Royal Navy regulations. The American ship USS Constitution had a shot furnace installed, for hot shot to be fired.

Heated Shot Media

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  An iron grate for heating iron shot during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–83)

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  The Heated-shot furnace at Fort-la-Latte, showing its proximity to the ramparts where the fort's guns were placed

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  Fort Jefferson, Florida, USA

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  Fort Marion, Florida, U.S.

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  Île Saint-Honorat, France

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  Île Sainte-Marguerite, France

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  Hot Shot furnace at Fort McAllister