Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:30:32-1:30:45

An 18-inch production line could rearm the G3

If Britain already operated 18-inch guns, the G3 battlecruiser design would be more likely to retain that calibre instead of stepping down to 16 inches.

18-inch GunsG3 Class BattlecruisersNaval Industrial CapacityRoyal Navy
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Question

Would the G3 battlecruisers carry 18-inch guns if Britain already used that calibre?

Short answer

Probably; an established 18-inch weapon and production base would make retaining it in the G3 design much more likely.

Notes

The historical design process was reluctant to abandon the larger weapon even without an established fleet installation. A completed Argencourt would add service evidence, ammunition practice, and a production base. Those sunk costs would make an 18-inch G3 easier to defend than a wholly new calibre programme. One completed ship could redirect later design choices.