Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:05:13-1:07:22

USS Alaska against HMS Dreadnought

In clear daylight, the much later USS Alaska would hold overwhelming advantages over HMS Dreadnought.

Alaska Class Large CruisersFire ControlHMS DreadnoughtNaval Gunnery
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Question

Who wins between USS Alaska and HMS Dreadnought in calm daytime conditions?

Short answer

Alaska wins decisively through modern fire control, speed, rate of fire and protection.

Notes

USS Alaska holds decisive advantages in radar-directed fire control, rate of fire, speed and protection. HMS Dreadnought may struggle to hit at ranges where Alaska can fire effectively. Alaska can also control the range or disengage, even after some machinery damage. The encounter is therefore a demonstration of technological change rather than a balanced duel.