Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:42:30-1:45:10

How a 28-knot Nelson class changes fleet operations

Extra treaty displacement devoted to machinery could turn the Nelson design into an early fast battleship and reduce reliance on Hood and the Renowns.

Fast BattleshipsFleet TacticsNelson Class BattleshipsShip Design
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Question

Could extra treaty tonnage make the Nelson class fast enough to support large carriers?

Short answer

Possibly; spending the margin on machinery and hull changes might reach about 28 knots and create an early fast-battleship capability.

Notes

A longer hull, extra machinery, and possibly four shafts offered a path toward roughly 28 knots. That speed would make Nelson and Rodney useful in fast operations, changing both replacement priorities and the composition of forces sent after German raiders.