She is notable as one of the earliest attempts at building a frigate armed with 24-pounders on the artillery deck, rather than the 18-pounders typical of the day.

Although Consolante was designed to carry 24-pounders on her battery, on 2 February 1776 Lorient was ordered to arm her with 18-pounder long guns.

[2] In 1778, she was sent to India under Captain La Motte-Vauvert, and was part of the defences of Isle de France (Mauritius).

[3] Informed that Thomas d'Estienne d'Orves had left the island on 7 December 1781 with his squadron to attack Trincomalee, Bussy decided to attach Consolante to his squadron, as well as 800 men from the garrison which he embarked on 9 transports, and go reinforce him.

[1] She took part in the Battle of Trincomalee, where her commanding officer, Lieutenant de Péan, was killed.