The J3 option discussed carries nine 15-inch guns on about 43,000 tons and is intended to make 32 knots. Its main belt is described as 305 mm thick and inclined at 25 degrees, with greater armor coverage than the Admiral design. Britain would probably order a class of four. Four completed ships would be harder to treat as an exception than the single Hood. The discussion also considers a 16.5-inch alternative, which could raise the agreed gun limit as well as the displacement ceiling. These are possible consequences of earlier construction, without a settled treaty outcome.
Notable Point · 2:20:49-2:23:43
Four J3 battlecruisers and a larger treaty baseline
A J3-style class would give Britain several large fast capital ships for negotiators to accommodate at Washington.