Q&A · 31:08-31:47

Eight-inch guns outlived their usefulness on carriers first

A caliber question separates the value of eight-inch guns on carriers from their value on surface combatants.

Question

When did the eight-inch gun stop being viable?

Short answer

It lost its carrier role first, but could remain useful on cruisers and other large surface ships.

Notes

Radar-directed five-inch/54 guns offered a carrier more payoff than retaining heavy guns. Eight-inch weapons could still serve usefully on cruisers or other large surface ships.