Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:34:05-3:34:52

How a fifteen-gun Belfast might trade turrets for helicopters

A larger rebuilt Belfast could retain nine six-inch guns forward while sacrificing after turrets for a helicopter installation or missile system.

Cruiser ModernisationHMS BelfastMissilesNaval AviationTown Class Light Cruisers (1936)
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Question

Would a fifteen-gun Belfast rebuild have a turret deactivated like Vanguard?

Short answer

Possibly, but the more useful option would be to remove after turrets for helicopters or missiles while retaining nine guns forward.

Notes

The question compares a hypothetical fifteen-gun Belfast rebuild with Vanguard's deactivated turret. The panel instead imagines a more deliberate conversion. Nine six-inch guns could remain forward while the after battery gives way to a helicopter facility. A missile system is another possible use for the released deck space and weight. The proposal preserves substantial gun power while adapting a large cruiser hull to postwar aviation or guided-weapon roles.