The Bellone was an Iphigénie-class frigate of the French Navy, designed according to plans by Léon-Michel Guignace. She was armed with 32 guns, typical of her class, and was constructed for versatile service during the late 18th century. In January 1780, she received copper sheathing, a significant enhancement that improved her durability and performance at sea. Constructed to participate in major naval conflicts, Bellone played an active role in the American Revolutionary War, notably in the Indian Ocean. She was part of the squadron under Admiral Suffren and took part in several key missions. In May 1780, she departed Brest with the Expédition Particulière, escorting transports supporting the Continental Army. She arrived near Boston in June 1780, marking her involvement in the American conflict. Throughout 1781 and 1782, Bellone operated extensively in the Indian Ocean, capturing several merchant vessels, including the East Indiaman Cartier and a British snow at Negapatnam. Her combat engagements included capturing the sloop HMS Chaser in February 1782 and participating in the Battle of Negapatam. She also sustained damage to her mainmast during the run-up to the Battle of Trincomalee but managed to escape HMS Coventry after an engagement in August 1782. Bellone's service continued with reconnaissance missions, including examining the harbor at Cuddalore post-battle. Her later years saw her in European waters, cruising the North Sea in 1792 and participating in the Glorious First of June, a notable naval engagement. During the French Revolutionary Wars, she was involved in the Expédition d'Irlande and the Battle of Tory Island in October 1798. Her capture occurred at the Battle of Tory Island, where HMS Melampus and HMS Ethalion took her in October 1798. The Royal Navy commissioned her as HMS Proserpine but never put her to sea. She was hulked in 1804 and sold for breaking up in 1806. Bellone’s career highlights her active participation in late 18th-century naval conflicts and her transition from French service to a hulk in the Royal Navy.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.