Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 45:26-46:37

A British nuclear cruiser built around Type 82

A design exercise turns HMS Bristol and the Type 82 concept into a plausible British nuclear cruiser with aviation and layered missile armament.

Alternate HistoryHMS BristolNaval AviationNaval WeaponsNuclear PropulsionRoyal NavySea Wolf MissileShip DesignType 82 Destroyer
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Question

What might a British counterpart to USS Long Beach look like?

Short answer

A nuclear-powered Type 82 or HMS Bristol derivative could combine helicopter facilities, forward guns, Sea Dart, and short-range missile defence.

Notes

A British nuclear cruiser is imagined as a Type 82 or HMS Bristol derivative with a nuclear plant and helicopter facilities. Rearranging the hull would place the helicopter area aft and guns forward. One possibility is two twin 4.5-inch mountings, although the armament remains a set of alternatives. Sea Dart launchers could occupy wing positions or fore-and-aft positions. Sea Wolf, or its predecessor, supplies another option for shorter-range missile defence on the wings.