The design can cover about 10,900 kilometres at a cruising speed of 17.7 knots. That endurance matters because an ocean-going capital ship must reach distant theatres as well as win a gun comparison. A barbette larger than the current triple turret requires is retained for a possible future quadruple mount. The extra structure costs weight in the present design, though it preserves an upgrade path for a later refit.
Notable Point · 1:33:28-1:45:06
Designing for cruising range and future upgrades
The super-battleship balances 10,900 kilometres of endurance against weight, while an oversized barbette preserves room for a later turret upgrade.