For most wartime ships, the immediate choice depended on which 40 mm guns were available in the numbers required. Capital ships had more scope to argue for a particular installation, but the gun's supporting equipment still mattered. HMS Vanguard's armament discussions included the Bofors' existing integration with modern fire control. Hazemeyer mounts, radar control, and stabilization tended to become available for the Bofors first. Swedish and American development faced less disruption from bombing, while British work also had to absorb competing wartime priorities even when a particular factory or laboratory escaped damage.
Notable Point · 11:35-13:50
Availability and fire control shaped 40 mm procurement
Wartime ships needed medium AA guns in sufficient numbers, while capital ships such as Vanguard could also weigh the availability of modern fire-control installations.