Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:49:31-2:57:08

The Francesco Caracciolo class in Atlantic service

The uncompleted Italian class combined speed, range, heavy guns, and useful firing arcs in a design suited to more than Mediterranean operations.

BattleshipsFrancesco Caracciolo Class BattleshipsItalian NavyNaval GunneryShip Design
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Question

How would Italian battleships fare if they operated in the Atlantic?

Short answer

The Francesco Caracciolo class in particular appears well suited, with high speed, long range, heavy guns, and a strong contemporary armour scheme.

Notes

The Francesco Caracciolo class was an Italian design likely to perform well in Atlantic operations. Its projected specifications included 28-knot speed, an economical range of 8,000 nautical miles, and eight 15-inch guns. The turret spacing could improve forward and after firing arcs. The ships were cancelled for lack of money rather than because the design lacked fighting value.