Q&A ยท 1:46:00-1:46:48

Early gas turbines and the machinery weight of British warships

A hypothetical 1920s gas-turbine programme could affect destroyers first and free machinery weight and space in capital-ship refits.

Question

What if the Royal Navy had developed marine gas turbines in the early or mid-1920s?

Short answer

Destroyers would probably benefit first, while refitting Warspite or Renown could provide much more power for the machinery weight and space.

Notes

Marine gas turbines developed in the early or mid-1920s could offer a high power-to-weight ratio and greater speed. Destroyers are identified as the likely first beneficiaries. Retrofitting Warspite or Renown provides the capital-ship example. Replacing their existing machinery would change the weight and space needed for propulsion, although this short hypothetical does not specify a complete reconstruction.