The 1912 preliminary study enlarged Nevada to about 38,000 tons, with twelve 14-inch guns, a 17-inch belt, and 23-knot speed, but only two West Coast dry docks could accommodate it. Tillman objected to shrinking the ship to fit more facilities and argued for a minimum of 25 knots. His demand paralleled the accepted speed of the British Queen Elizabeth class, which had earlier been hoped to make 28 knots and which Admiral Jellicoe wanted to be faster. The Bureau of Construction and Repair replied that reaching 25 knots required sacrificing four guns and substantial protection, shifting the design toward battlecruiser characteristics rather than a balanced battleship.
Chapter · 14:27-18:36
The 1912 preliminary study and the 25-knot demand
An enlarged Nevada concept reveals the collision between Tillman’s speed requirement, existing docks, the Panama Canal, and the compromises needed to retain armour and guns.