The case for the 5.25-inch gun rests on its ability to force attackers to dodge and break formation at long range. Its quoted reach extends to about 22 kilometres, with a stated ceiling of 46,000 feet; those figures support an argument about screening and disruption. The 5-inch/38 is also considered a good weapon, with greater emphasis on the closer defensive zone. Mediterranean attacks could meet fighters first, then heavy gunfire, and finally medium and light weapons against individual aircraft. Even the Japanese acknowledged that Force Z's heavy guns broke up their formations. Force Z lacked the fighter layer that would have disturbed those formations before they reached the heavy guns. Its experience therefore illustrates how the effectiveness of one gun layer depends on the rest of the defence.
Notable Point · 1:03:27-1:06:27
Heavy anti-aircraft fire, formation disruption and Force Z
The defence of the 5.25-inch gun rests on its ability to disturb incoming formations, especially when fighters have already broken them up.