HMS Ariel was a 20-gun Sphinx-class sixth-rate post ship of the Royal Navy, launched on 7 July 1777 from John Perry & Co.'s Blackwall Yard. Constructed with a typical sixth-rate design, Ariel was initially commissioned under Captain John Jackson and quickly engaged in cruising activities in the North Sea by August 1777, before sailing for North America in November of the same year. Throughout her service during the American Revolutionary War, Ariel proved to be an active vessel, capturing numerous American vessels and enemy ships. Notably, on 31 March 1778, she shared in the capture of the USS Virginia, which was then taken into Royal Navy service. Her captures included schooners, sloops, brigs, and privateers such as the General Scott, Resistance, and New Broom, the latter of which was armed with 16 guns and later commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Keppel. Ariel also engaged enemy vessels like the French polacca Gaston, which she chased ashore and burned after salvaging part of her cargo. Under Captain Charles Phipps, Ariel continued her successful operations until September 1779, when she encountered the French frigate Amazone off Charleston. After a fierce ninety-minute battle, Ariel, heavily damaged and with casualties, was captured by the French frigate under Lieutenant Lapérouse. The French then incorporated her into their navy, refitting her at Lorient between March and October 1780. Subsequently, she was lent to the American Continental Navy in October 1780, becoming USS Ariel under John Paul Jones. Jones modified her rigging, removed some guns for cargo capacity, and attempted to evade the Royal Navy while en route to America. Despite damage from storms and engagement with British privateer Triumph, Jones's last battle in the American cause was fought aboard Ariel, which he captured after a brief confrontation. She ultimately arrived in Philadelphia in February 1781 with vital military supplies. In 1782, under French command, Ariel participated in capturing the merchant vessel Grand Duc. Her maritime service ended in 1793 when her French crew scuttled her in the Scheldt to prevent recapture by the British. Her career highlights her significance as an active combatant vessel in the late 18th-century naval conflicts, serving under multiple flags and roles during a tumultuous period of maritime warfare.

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