Q&A · 1:36:21-1:38:49

The most dangerous Bismarck replacement in 1941

Four hypothetical Bismarck replacements are compared by speed, armor, range, and gun weight against the 1941 Royal Navy.

Question

If Bismarck were replaced by Montana, Alsace, H-41, or Yamato, which would perform best against the British fleet in 1941?

Short answer

The third Alsace design, because its 32-knot speed and twelve fifteen-inch guns combine mobility with a 50 percent larger battery than Bismarck's.

Notes

The fast third Alsace design, with three quadruple fifteen-inch turrets, is the most difficult opponent. Yamato and Montana bring formidable protection and firepower but less speed, while H-41 improves on Bismarck without matching the French combination of twelve guns and roughly 32 knots.