Why six enormous guns can lose the ranging contest

The A-150 is presented as an enlarged Yamato with twin 20.1-inch mounts in place of Yamato's triple 18.1-inch turrets, and it is also compared to an enormous Renown. Its shell would be intimidating and would force opponents to reconsider deck protection, but calibre alone does not decide a long-range engagement. Yamato carried nine 18.1-inch guns, while the Number 13 design was planned with eight 18-inch guns. Split salvos can help correct fire, though A-150's six guns leave only three shells in each half-salvo. A ship with more guns can observe more splashes, adjust more quickly, and may land the first hits. Repeated impacts can then transmit shock through the hull and progressively compromise armour even when individual shells are initially resisted.