Additional fire-control directors could address a recognized limitation of the Atlanta design. The 5-inch/38 battery still offered limited advantages over destroyer weapons. The alternative 5-inch/54 began development in 1940 and was unavailable until 1945, too late for the original design choice. Had the 5-inch/54 been available earlier, Atlanta could have carried a more distinctive weapon and attracted more orders. Extra directors could improve fire control while leaving the limitations of the main battery intact.
Notable Point · 45:19-46:18
More directors would leave Atlanta with the same main gun
The proposed 5-inch/54 alternative depended on a weapon-development timetable that missed Atlanta's design, while extra directors addressed a separate limitation.