A one-on-one comparison can obscure the effects of multiple ships firing across a formation. Here the Austrian advantage in barrel count becomes eight additional heavy guns across the squadron, while the Italian ships retain their larger calibre. More shells also create more opportunities for early hits and cascading damage even when each individual weapon is slightly smaller. The simulation is set up as a close contest precisely because the differing strengths have to operate together at fleet scale.
Notable Point · 20:28-22:17
Why a four-versus-four action changes the calculus
A fleet action magnifies aggregate gun numbers: four Austrian ships bring forty 14-inch guns against thirty-two Italian 15-inch guns.