Q&A · 1:53:43-1:55:40

How might Fisher have redesigned Invincible?

Fisher's six-gun forward requirement made a simple superfiring redesign difficult and leads to a speculative three-triple-turret arrangement.

Question

How might Fisher have redesigned the Invincible class after accepting superfiring turrets while still requiring six guns to fire ahead?

Short answer

One proposed counterfactual uses a Renown-like layout with three triple turrets: nine guns on the broadside, six forward, and three astern.

Notes

Fisher reportedly regretted ordering Invincible before accepting superfiring turrets. His requirement for two forward ranging salvos of three shells still demanded six guns able to fire ahead. That emphasis on forward fire is linked to the Battle of Lissa. A wing turret could meet the requirement, while three vertically stacked twin turrets raised doubts about the technology available at the time. Triple-gun turrets offer another route to the same forward firepower. The proposed counterfactual resembles Renown with three triple turrets, giving nine guns on the broadside, six ahead, and three astern.