The treaty arithmetic makes five ships the more conservative result. The historical Nelsons displaced about 33,800 tons standard, leaving roughly 1,200 tons within the 35,000-ton unit assumed for the alternative class. Combined with five Queen Elizabeths modernized to 28 knots, five Revenge-class ships, and the battlecruisers, this would produce eighteen British capital ships. Ten of the battleships could form a common 28-knot line while Renown, Repulse, and Hood remain a still-faster squadron. The later 28-knot King George V design supports this speed as a plausible British benchmark. The older Revenge class would receive less modernization attention and become the next replacement priority.
Notable Point · 36:42-39:50
Five ships as the conservative treaty outcome
Five 35,000-ton ships are presented as the cautious estimate, enough to form a fast line alongside modernized Queen Elizabeth-class battleships.