Belliqueuse was designed as a small and cheap ironclad[Note 1] suitable for foreign deployments.

The engine produced a total of 1,200 indicated horsepower (890 kW) and gave a top speed of 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph).

[3] On sea trials the engine produced 1,227 indicated horsepower (915 kW) and the ship reached 11.83 knots (21.91 km/h; 13.61 mph).

[4] Belliqueuse was completely armored with 150 millimeters (5.9 in) of wrought iron from the battery deck down to 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) below the waterline.

The sides of the battery itself were protected with 120 millimeters (4.7 in) of armor, but the ends were closed only by light screens.

That day she was commissioned as the flagship of the Pacific Station under command of Contre-amiral (Rear Admiral) Jérôme-Hyacinthe Penhoat.

[6] Belliqueuse served with the Squadron of Evolutions (Escadre d'évolution) for six months from 5 June 1877 and was reduced to reserve afterwards.