What a continuously developed modern battleship might look like

If battleship construction had continued into the modern era through a Soviet-led arms race, what would the ships look like?

The proposal is a missile-heavy command and support ship with guns forward and a large helicopter hangar aft. Automated 14-inch/70 guns are suggested, with their feasibility left uncertain.

Continued battleship development could eventually favour guns around 14 inches as range and automated loading became more important. In this proposal, a 14-inch/70 weapon appears more plausible than a 16.5-inch/70, though the feasibility of the long barrel and automatic handling remains uncertain. A large vertical-launch battery and helicopter hangar would occupy much of the hull. Two twin turrets forward are suggested, giving four guns, although the discussion does not establish a fixed layout. The ship would command surface action groups, support operations ashore, and provide a conspicuous presence when sending a carrier group was unnecessary.