Balanced firing arcs are tested against several operational situations rather than only a static broadside duel. Tegetthoff remains useful in a Jutland-style fleet action and in running fights such as Matapan, Sirte, or Dogger Bank. A Nelson- or N3-like ship escorting a retreating convoy may have to zigzag, slow, or turn back toward its pursuers to bring an all-forward main battery to bear, risking separation from the force it protects. Such designs work best when other battleships can cover their blind angles. Distributed armament preserves more independence during pursuit, withdrawal, and escort.
Notable Point · 18:22-20:34
Distributed armament preserves options in a running fight
A critique of all-forward gun layouts shows how balanced firing arcs can protect convoys and task groups without forcing a capital ship to turn toward a pursuer.