Automatic guns consume ammunition much faster, so a plausible ship needs deeper magazines rather than merely a faster loading mechanism. The British studies mentioned in the video already recognised this relationship while pursuing automatic weapons. Automation should reduce the number of people operating each gun directly. It does not eliminate labour, because crews still have to maintain machinery, handle magazine supply and keep the system functioning. The design trade therefore shifts weight and people from repetitive loading toward ammunition endurance and technical support.
Notable Point · 31:01-32:28
Autoloaders trade manpower for ammunition endurance
Automatic loading raises the rate of fire, demanding deeper magazines while shifting crews from loading work toward maintenance and supply.