One possible alternative would have built on Austro-Hungarian gun-making strengths instead of following the conventional scout-cruiser template. Multiple 5.9-inch turrets could have produced a compact mini-dreadnought arrangement, taking advantage of Škoda's capabilities and the freedom of a relatively fresh design tradition. Adapting the Radetzky class's twin 9.4-inch turrets would have yielded a much more formidable cruiser. Such a ship would be larger and costlier, but even battlecruisers would have needed to respect its firepower.
Notable Point · 20:24-24:08
Alternative heavy Austrian cruiser concepts
A mini-dreadnought cruiser armed with 5.9-inch or 9.4-inch weapons might have created the fast, hard-hitting threat Otranto demanded.