Q&A ยท 52:32-52:49

Why Argus kept single 4-inch guns

Replacing Argus's single 4-inch guns with twins would consume scarce space and demand extensive work for limited firing-arc benefits.

Question

Why was HMS Argus not upgraded from six single 4-inch guns to six twins?

Short answer

Space, firing arcs, and the amount of reconstruction made the upgrade poor value for Argus.

Notes

The proposed upgrade appears simple because it preserves the number of mounting positions. Argus, however, had little spare space and twin mounts would impose different weights and arcs. Fitting them in the same locations would require substantial alteration. The additional firepower probably did not justify that work on an old and constrained carrier.