Q&A ยท 28:02-30:09

How an interwar G3 refit might trade guns for speed

A G3 rebuild could replace secondary guns, update machinery, and emphasize still more speed rather than armour.

Question

What would a G3-class modernization comparable to Queen Elizabeth and R-class refits look like?

Short answer

It would likely update secondary and anti-aircraft guns and machinery, with speed a more useful investment than still more armour.

Notes

Refit timing would determine whether the ships received 4.5-inch or 5.25-inch dual-purpose weapons. Their aviation arrangements would remain aft while the main battery stayed forward. Updated machinery could preserve or increase speed, which appears more useful than adding further armour to an already well-protected design. The ships' survival would also reshape the treaty construction allowed to the United States and Japan.