Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:01:38-2:02:08

Where the 23-knot Orion gained its extra speed

Hull length and available power explain the faster Orion proposal, although the boiler difference is recalled tentatively.

BattleshipsLive Q&ANaval ArchitectureOrion Class BattleshipsPropulsionWorld War I
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Question

What gave the 23-knot Orion preliminary design two extra knots over the slower design?

Short answer

Hull shape and greater length, together with a possible boiler increase recalled from memory.

Notes

The answer attributes the extra two knots to hull shape and a slightly longer hull. A difference in boiler numbers is also recalled, with an explicit qualification that this is from memory. Length-to-beam ratio affects the hull's resistance, while the machinery provides the power to overcome it. The design comparison illustrates why speed needs to be considered through both hull form and power.