Heller 80826 Le Gladiateur

Le Gladiateur is a French sailing warship, classified as a battleship from the late 18th century. The vessel played a significant role in the US War of Independence (1775-1783), making a total of three voyages from France to North America. On the first such voyage, made in 1777, Le Gladiateur was part of the fleet that transported the Marquis of La Fayette and his comrades-in-arms to the future North American republic. In 1778, the unit made its cruise to North America as part of the squadron commanded by Vice Admiral d'Estaing. Finally, in late summer 1781, Le Gladiateur made a third cruise to North America, this time carrying reinforcements to the French troops later fighting at Yorktown. It is worth adding that Le Gladiateur, like many French ships from the 18th century, was characterized by a modern - for those times - construction, good seagoing ability and good maneuverability.