Q&A · 1:25:37-1:28:11

Des Moines-class cruisers at Jutland

Modern automatic eight-inch guns and radar are tested against First World War battle fleets.

Question

Would replacing either side at Jutland one-for-one with Des Moines-class cruisers overpower the opposing fleet?

Short answer

Probably; radar and rapid long-range fire would disable command and fire-control systems even when belt penetration was uncertain.

Notes

The cruisers could score radar-directed hits well outside the effective ranges demonstrated by 1916 fleets. Their shells might not penetrate every main belt at long range, but sustained fire could destroy bridges, directors, and superstructures, producing mission kills before the older ships could answer effectively.