Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:33:44-2:36:08

Why Aegis is a difficult fit for wartime heavy cruisers

Old hulls and the blast of 8-inch guns make Aegis conversion difficult; removing the after battery offers a possible layout.

8-inch GunsAegis Combat SystemBaltimore Class Heavy CruisersCruisersDes Moines Class Heavy CruisersNaval Modernisation
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could Des Moines- or Baltimore-class cruisers have received Aegis in the 1980s?

Short answer

An Aegis conversion is unlikely, though removing the after guns could make room for radar and missiles clear of the forward battery.

Notes

Des Moines- and Baltimore-class cruisers would already be old ships by the 1980s, and installing Aegis would require extensive rebuilding. Firing the 8-inch main battery could damage the new combat system. Removing the after guns could provide space for an Aegis tower clear of the forward battery. Missiles could occupy the stern in place of those guns, although the practicality of such a conversion remains doubtful.