Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:29:53-1:32:18

Furutaka under a 9.2-inch cruiser treaty

Japan would probably seek matching 9.2-inch weapons under a larger cruiser treaty, while Furutaka could retain a role despite the difficult rearmament.

9.2-inch GunsCounty Class CruisersFurutaka Class Heavy CruisersHeavy CruisersImperial Japanese NavyNaval Arms RaceRoyal Navy
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Question

How quickly would the Furutaka class become outdated if Britain operated 9.2-inch County-class cruisers?

Short answer

Japan would likely rearm or redesign toward 9.2-inch weapons, because other navies would not accept the British broadside advantage.

Notes

Furutaka would retain a role as a relatively light heavy cruiser in this alternative treaty system. The historical progression from 7.9-inch guns to three twin 8-inch turrets suggests a possible Japanese attempt to fit three twin 9.2-inch mounts instead, although that would be difficult. Other navies would be expected to seek the same calibre allowance as Britain. A different scenario in which Britain alone carried twelve 9.2-inch guns against eight 8-inch guns would create a much larger imbalance. With each British shell about fifty percent heavier, its broadside would weigh roughly as much as eighteen of the smaller projectiles.