Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 26:11-27:35

Small-tube boilers could create a 28-knot British battle line

Giving both Queen Elizabeth and Revenge-class battleships small-tube boilers could produce an unmatched force of fast 15-inch-gun ships.

15-inch GunsBattleshipsNaval PropulsionQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsRevenge Class BattleshipsRoyal Navy
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Question

If the Queen Elizabeths used small-tube boilers for 28 knots, would the Revenge class remain 21-knot ships?

Short answer

Probably not; the Royal Navy would be strongly tempted to build the Revenge class for the same 28-knot battle line.

Notes

If the Queen Elizabeths reached 28 knots, the pressure to build the Revenge class for the same speed would become strong. Fourteen 15-inch-gun battleships capable of roughly 28 knots in the 1914-16 period would outpace contemporary battle lines and even some battlecruisers, transforming the Royal Navy's tactical position.