Q&A · 2:18:01-2:18:20

Could Britain field the 15-inch gun earlier?

The Queen Elizabeth class represents the earliest practical 15-inch battleship, though a battlecruiser path might marginally advance adoption.

Battlecruisers Naval Guns Queen Elizabeth Class Battleships Royal Navy

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Question

Could the Royal Navy have introduced the 15-inch gun before the Queen Elizabeth class?

Short answer

Possibly in an earlier battlecruiser experiment, but the Queen Elizabeths were the earliest practical program.

Notes

The Queen Elizabeth class is judged the earliest practical battleship programme for Britain's 15-inch gun. An earlier battlecruiser offers a possible route to introducing it slightly sooner. The answer does not support a broad earlier introduction across the battle fleet.