French ship Experiment (1779)

The Experiment was a 64-gun ship of the line in the French Royal Navy, launched in 1779. Built to a design by constructor Jean-Denis Chevillard, she served during the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolutionary Wars.

Her career included involvement in several significant naval engagements. One notable action was her participation in the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781, a crucial victory for the French fleet that directly contributed to the American victory at Yorktown. The Experiment was part of the French fleet under the command of Admiral de Grasse, which successfully prevented British reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis's army.

Later, during the French Revolutionary Wars, the Experiment continued to serve actively. She participated in various fleet actions and patrols in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Her service record reflects the shifting alliances and naval struggles that characterized this turbulent period in European history.

The ultimate fate of the Experiment is documented, although specific details of her decommissioning or loss may vary across different sources. She represents a significant example of the French naval power of the late 18th century and the role France played in supporting American independence.