Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:03:35-2:04:25

Early composite armor in battleship design

Early composite materials would first supplement steel in splinter protection and selected spaces rather than replace the main belt.

Battleship DesignComposite ArmourKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Naval TechnologySplinter Protection
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Question

What if useful composite armor had been discovered in 1910 or 1932?

Short answer

It would likely supplement steel in splinter and local protection first, with broader design effects if it proved light and durable.

Notes

The decisive question is whether a light composite could withstand effects associated with 14- and 16-inch gunfire. An early material would not necessarily replace the main steel belt. Its first plausible uses are splinter bulkheads and protection for selected internal spaces. Weight saved there could be reassigned to other qualities and might influence King George V design choices. The answer treats composite armor as a supplementary material whose impact depends on strength and weight.