The projected cruiser force has three broad price points. Automatic eight- to 9.2-inch guns offer the largest practical autoloading weapons, while a heavier cruiser can compete through 12-inch firepower. Six-inch light cruisers still have work hunting surface raiders and screening fleets against destroyer attacks. Automatic six-inch guns provide a high volume of fire for those tasks. These alternatives give a navy different ways to build the security and operational options it needs.
Notable Point · 40:57-41:52
Automatic six-inch cruisers screen fleets and hunt raiders
Rapid six-inch fire preserves a role for light cruisers alongside larger automatic-gun and 12-inch ships.