Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:46:29-1:46:51

What 15-inch guns could buy G3 and Nelson designers

Reducing a G3 or Nelson derivative to 15-inch guns would save turret, shell, and magazine weight that could be redirected into speed.

G3 Class BattlecruisersNaval GunneryNelson Class BattleshipsWarship DesignWeight Management
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Question

Why did British designers consider G3- or Nelson-like ships armed with triple 15-inch turrets?

Short answer

Smaller guns saved weight and magazine space that could be used to increase speed.

Notes

The design question is framed as a direct exchange between gun size and mobility. Fifteen-inch weapons require lighter shells and less associated ammunition and handling weight than larger guns. They also reduce the volume and mass demanded by the main battery installation. Designers could spend those savings on machinery and speed, producing a faster ship without abandoning heavy-gun capability.