Agincourt proposals and an 18-inch Washington Treaty limit

How useful would the proposed Agincourt with triple 15-inch turrets and small-tube boilers have been in the Second World War?

It is judged useful, with a preference for the alternative twin 18-inch arrangement. Building 18-inch British capital ships before Washington would also change the treaty assumptions and the fleets entering the next war.

The triple 15-inch arrangement with small-tube boilers is considered useful, while an alternative with twin 18-inch guns is preferred. An 18-inch Agincourt could influence Hood's armament and encourage completion of the other Admiral-class ships. The scenario gives Agincourt six 18-inch guns and each Admiral eight. Britain could then arrive at the Washington conference with five 18-inch capital ships in service. An 18-inch treaty ceiling is proposed as a consequence of that existing fleet. Four ships above 40,000 tons, together with another around 30,000 tons, would also put pressure on the displacement limit. A possible settlement of roughly 40,000 to 45,000 tons standard displacement is suggested. These conditional treaty outcomes would change the fleets and firepower available in the Second World War.