The heavier 16-inch shell developed for the Lion class during World War II was intended to cause severe damage at medium and close range. Its weight alone does not show that Britain was copying American shell design. American development emphasized long-range flight and impact, while the British proposal placed greater weight on destructive effects at the ranges its battle fleet expected to fight. The proposed shells therefore need to be compared by trajectory and intended use as well as weight.
Notable Point · 11:38-12:44
Lion's heavier 16-inch shell and intended battle range
Similar shell weights concealed different British and American priorities for trajectory and damage at the expected engagement range.