Q&A · 44:25-50:48

When more 14-inch guns still lose to twelve 16-inch guns

A four-quadruple-turret King George V would throw formidable shell volume, but the comparison shown still favours twelve 16-inch guns for delivered effect.

Question

Would a King George V with four quadruple 14-inch turrets be an effective answer to Yamato?

Short answer

It would generate formidable volume of fire, but the comparison shown still makes twelve 16-inch guns the stronger main battery.

Notes

A hypothetical King George V with four quadruple 14-inch turrets would put an enormous volume of fire into the air. With radar fire control, that volume could generate enough hits to make even a heavily armoured target uncomfortable. The table shown in the stream nevertheless places twelve 16-inch guns above sixteen 14-inch guns in bursting charge and delivered effect. Twelve 16-inch weapons therefore remain the stronger main-battery choice despite the appeal of a sixteen-gun broadside.