The first British model tests twin 14-inch turrets and 6-inch secondaries against the Italian twelve-gun arrangement. On the assumed timeline, an Elswick Ordnance Company 14-inch/45 proposal is the only plausible contemporary step beyond the 12-inch gun. No practical 13.5-inch or 15-inch alternative is available on the assumed 1904-05 decision timeline. Although still theoretical, the Elswick weapon could be developed if the Admiralty paid for construction and trials, making technological risk part of the price of retaining naval leadership.
Chapter · 20:45-33:11
Elswick's 14-inch gun offers the available leap
With no practical 13.5- or 15-inch alternative available, Britain could fund Elswick's proposed 14-inch gun to steal a march on Italy.