Q&A · 1:04:45-1:05:33

Did the 15-inch/50 use the same shell as the 15-inch/42?

The proposed longer 15-inch gun preserved existing ammunition and breech arrangements while offering greater range.

15-inch Guns Naval Gunnery Naval Logistics

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Question

Did the 15-inch/50 use the same shell as the 15-inch/42?

Short answer

Yes. It used the same shell and breech mechanism, with a longer barrel of 50 rather than 42 calibres.

Notes

The proposed 15-inch/50 used the existing 15-inch shell. It also kept the 15-inch/42's breech mechanism. The barrel increased from 42 to 50 calibres, with limited testing suggesting greater range. A new ship would pair the weapon with the latest turret design.