Archduke Ferdinand Cuirassiers are a type of heavy cavalry in Napoleon: Total War. They are available to Austria with the Imperial Eagle Pack DLC, which was available for free with the standard boxed edition of the game.
Description[]
These heavy cavalry can be relied on to give a good account of themselves when they charge into a melee.
They will also fight well in any hand-to-hand fighting afterwards. Their cuirasses, metal chest and back plates over leather padding, and decorative helmets give them some protection. Their straight, heavy swords are man-killing weapons capable of inflicting horrible, maiming wounds on any opponent. A good commander does not use them against infantry in square, or leave them where artillery or elite infantry can shoot them down. Cuirassiers are a heavy force, and therefore among the slowest cavalry on the battlefield.
Contemporary commentators were as one in praising the quality of Austrian cavalry, both men and mounts, but not quite so sure that the cavalry were well used in battle. Of course, the Austrians were fighting Napoleon, so they were always going to suffer in any comparisons that were made. Their weaponry was also much admired and feared: their heavy broadswords were intended for butchery; the swords had none of the elegance that characterised hussar sabres. The British copied them for their own heavy cavalry forces.
General Information[]
Archduke Ferdinand Cuirassiers represent the best heavy cavalry in Austria's unit roster, with better stats than Cuirassiers. However, they are limited to just one regiment and are more expensive to train. Like all heavy cavalry, Archduke Ferdinand Cuirassiers have superb defense and generally good statistics, but tire out more quickly.