The Deutschland class carried six eleven-inch guns in two triple turrets but had protection closer to that of a cruiser. Its stated 80 mm belt and 45 mm deck were much thinner than the roughly 5.5-inch turret armour. A maximum speed of about 28 knots offered no escape from Hood, Renown, Repulse, or many destroyers. A rebuilt Warspite is also considered a possible pursuer in heavy Atlantic seas, where nominal maximum speeds would not determine the chase. The later King George V class adds another threat, though it postdated the original design choice. Heavy guns therefore did not provide either battleship protection or the speed needed to avoid stronger opponents.
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Deutschland's armour and speed limited its fighting options
Deutschland's eleven-inch guns came with light protection and about 28 knots, leaving it vulnerable to stronger ships capable of catching it.