Q&A · 32:32-33:15

How much could new boilers improve Incomparable?

A hypothetical 1930s refit offers major machinery gains and room for several dual-purpose gun options, although no revised power figure is calculated.

Question

How much could 1930s boilers improve Incomparable over her original machinery?

Short answer

A major improvement is expected, although no numerical gain is calculated. The original proposal used Yarrow boilers for 180,000 shaft horsepower.

Notes

A major machinery improvement is expected between the original proposal and a refit in the 1930s. The original Yarrow-boiler machinery was intended to deliver 180,000 shaft horsepower. No numerical gain is calculated, and the discussion distinguishes between early- and late-1930s refits. The long hull would also give a choice of 4-inch, 4.5-inch, or 5.25-inch dual-purpose secondary mounts.