Q&A · 42:45-45:55

Rearming HMS Tiger runs into turret and treaty limits

A Tiger rearmament question links physical turret size to the treaty categories governing the Royal Navy's next capital ships.

Question

Could HMS Tiger be rearmed with 15-inch/50 guns?

Short answer

A 15-inch/50 installation would probably be too large, while a twin 14-inch turret derived from the King George V program is the more plausible maximum.

Notes

The answer rejects a 15-inch/50 refit as too large for Tiger's existing twin mountings and hull. A twin 14-inch installation is more credible because the Royal Navy would already have that turret family in production. Reusing an active design reduces development risk, but it does not remove the structural work needed to adapt an old battlecruiser. The discussion also catches a treaty consequence: if 14-inch weapons define a cruiser category, the next British battleships may need 16-inch guns to remain clearly above it.