Japan's Nagato class approached 26.5 knots, so maintaining a substantial speed advantage could require F3 to use forced draft at the cost of greater machinery wear. Only the Kongos are considered fast enough to bring F3 to battle, with that encounter judged unfavorable to the Japanese ships. The United States' largely 21-knot battle line would struggle to control engagement range against the proposed British fast squadron. France and Italy would face a British mobile force comparable to their entire allowed capital-ship strength. Italian Andrea Doria-class reconstructions gained speed after losing a turret, but that improvement is judged insufficient against the British squadron. A larger British fast force would also reduce the relative importance of France's Dunkerques in an Anglo-French fleet, while encouraging Britain to consider faster Queen Elizabeth-class reconstructions.
Chapter · 59:46-1:07:03
Fast Nelsons would outmaneuver Japanese and American battle lines
The F3 Nelsons' speed would leave most foreign battleships unable to force an engagement and could pressure rivals toward new construction or modernization.