The design discussion uses an early dreadnought to work through the coupled choices behind a capital ship. Larger guns, turrets, protection, propulsion, and hull balance all consume the same displacement margin. The hull's pitch and weight distribution become practical constraints when fitting 13.5-inch guns and a useful six-inch secondary battery. An apparently simple increase in calibre can therefore force compromises elsewhere in a warship's design.
Chapter · 0:49-8:41
Designing a 13.5-inch-gun dreadnought
A ship-design exercise frames the trade between a 13.5-inch main battery, armour, machinery, stability, and displacement.