Lexington is initially proposed for the 1910s because of the later usefulness of her hull as a carrier. The panel objects that this relies on hindsight and overlooks when the ships were laid down. Francesco Caracciolo becomes the preferred choice as a foreign fast-battleship design suited to British operational ideas. Colorado's 16-inch guns are acknowledged, but her fit with the British battle line is questioned. Kongō offers less new information because Britain had already built the design for Japan. The exercise therefore asks what a licensed design would contribute to British needs at the time it was selected.
Notable Point · 4:35:03-4:37:06
Why Francesco Caracciolo is the 1910s foreign-design choice
The Italian fast-battleship proposal is favored for its fit with British requirements after Lexington and slower American battleships are challenged.