houfnices

A houfnice is a type of artillery piece that bridges the gap between a cannon and a mortar. Historically, it was characterized by its relatively short barrel and high angle of fire, allowing it to lob projectiles over obstacles or into enemy fortifications. The term "houfnice" itself is believed to derive from the Czech word "houfnice," which referred to a type of hand-gonne or small cannon used in the Hussite Wars.

These weapons were particularly effective in siege warfare, where their ability to deliver plunging fire made them valuable for attacking entrenched positions. Unlike cannons designed for direct, flat trajectory fire, houfnices were optimized for indirect fire, meaning their trajectory was not directly aimed at the target. The trajectory was calculated based on the desired range and elevation.

The design of houfnices evolved over centuries, with variations appearing in different armies and eras. They were typically muzzle-loading and fired explosive shells or solid shot. Their use became less common with the development of more specialized artillery pieces like howitzers, which offered greater flexibility and range. However, the concept of a weapon firing at high angles to overcome obstacles or reach protected targets remains a fundamental principle in artillery design. The term houfnice is sometimes used interchangeably with howitzer, though historically there were distinctions in their specific design and intended role.