The protective system placed air and liquid spaces between successive structural layers to absorb a torpedo explosion. Each material and void had a different role in dissipating blast before it reached vital spaces. Compressed air could then force water from internal spaces to limit flooding and restore balance. This layered defense and active counter-flooding system was one of the design's strongest technical features, even though the main-battery arrangement above it remained controversial.
Chapter · 1:38:30-1:40:34
The G3's layered torpedo-defense concept
A cross-section reveals alternating air, steel, and liquid layers backed by compressed-air counter-flooding measures.