Q&A · 3:31:20-3:31:42

Why the US Navy returned to steel warships

The brief explanation links later steel construction with concern about aluminium under intense combat heat.

Question

Why did the US Navy shift from extensive aluminium construction to steel in later warships?

Short answer

The explanation offered is the Falklands War's warning about aluminium structures under intense combat heat.

Notes

The Falklands War supplies the explanation offered for the move toward steel. Aluminium structures are judged poorly suited to the intense heat associated with modern explosive damage. The construction histories of individual American classes are not distinguished in this brief assessment.