horizoncans
The term "horizoncans" is used informally in naval engineering and military history to describe cannons that are fixed in a horizontal or near‑horizontal alignment, typically on the lower deck or base structures of ships and coastal fortifications. Unlike turreted guns that rotate 360° above the deck, horizontonscans are positioned with a limited traverse—generally 30 to 60 degrees—and a maximum elevation of about 10 to 15 degrees. This configuration permits a rapid rate of fire against low‑lying or fixed targets while simplifying the mounting platform and reducing mechanical complexity.
Historical use of horizontonscans was most pronounced in the early 20th century, when several navies experimented
Technical requirements for horizontonscans included reinforced concrete platforms, blast‑deflector bracing, and specialized loading hoists or elevators
Although horizontonscans were largely superseded by turreted main batteries and missile systems in the post‑war era,