What weapons did the United States have in 1980 that could sink a battleship?
Short answerNuclear weapons, conventional bombs, and torpedoes all provided credible attack options.
NotesA battleship in 1980 faced more than gunfire from another capital ship. The United States had nuclear weapons, conventional bombs, and torpedoes capable of attacking such a target. Heavy torpedoes remained especially relevant against a large armored hull. The Royal Navy's retention of Second World War-era heavy torpedoes through the Falklands War shows how long that attack option remained useful.