Q&A · 2:02:46-2:04:10

Why a shorter, heavier cruiser is not automatically faster

Speed claims must account for hull form, displacement, and cruising efficiency rather than simply adding armament and power.

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Question

Can a shorter, heavier cruiser also be faster and more heavily armed?

Short answer

It is unlikely without serious trade-offs, because hull efficiency and cruising performance matter as much as top speed.

Notes

The answer challenges a proposal for a shorter but heavier cruiser that is also faster and better armed. Reducing length relative to beam can make high-speed operation less efficient, while cruiser usefulness depends heavily on economical cruising as well as maximum speed.