Q&A ยท 4:24:15-4:25:07

Giving the Royal Navy later warship designs in 1750

A fleet replacement counterfactual gives Britain powerful frigates while exposing uneven changes in firepower and cost across the rating system.

Question

What if the Royal Navy in 1750 replaced its first rates with Victory, second rates with London-class ships, third rates with Africa and frigates with Constitution-type ships?

Short answer

The first and second rates would fare well and the frigates would become very powerful, though Africa-type third rates would be comparatively light in firepower and the expense would be substantial.

Notes

The imagined replacement affects each rating differently. Victory and London-type ships are judged satisfactory choices for the upper rates, while Africa provides a capable but relatively lightly armed third rate. Replacing both fifth and sixth rates with Constitution-type frigates would create a much stronger cruising force. That strength comes with a large bill for the Royal Navy. The stronger fleet is expected to leave France at a serious disadvantage.