Arms and Armour

Flèche (fortification)

A flèche (Fr. for "arrow") is an outwork consisting of two converging faces with a parapet and an open gorge, forming an arrowhead shape facing the enemy. The flèche is similar in plan to other defensive works like the ravelin (or demi-lune), but smaller and built in front of the glacis. It was thus part of the outworks of a fortress. It was usually placed in front of the point of a bastion in order to create an additional level of fire.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸African military systems before 1800
• ▸Arbor Low
• ▸Battle of Campaldino

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