Britain adopted the 13.5-inch gun, though Vickers had also pursued a 14-inch weapon. Choosing it would have made a later two-inch jump to 16 inches appear technically and institutionally plausible. The counterfactual would affect Queen Elizabeth, the R class, Hood, Renown, and Repulse. One procurement choice could redirect an entire family of guns, turrets, magazines, and ship designs.
Notable Point · 48:57-49:51
How a 14-inch choice might have changed British gun development
Vickers' 14-inch option suggests an alternate development path in which Britain might have moved to 16-inch weapons for Queen Elizabeth and its wartime capital ships.