Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:25:54-2:31:22

Adapting the G3 to a 45,000-ton treaty limit

A 45,000-ton standard limit would require only modest changes to the G3, whose normal displacement was already close to that figure.

16-inch GunsBattlecruisersG3 Class BattlecruisersNaval ArchitectureWashington Naval Treaty
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How could the G3 design be adapted to a 45,000-ton standard treaty limit?

Short answer

Its existing displacement was close enough that 16-inch guns and modest internal rearrangement could bring it within the limit.

Notes

The G3's quoted normal displacement of about 46,500 tons makes a 45,000-ton standard limit comparatively easy to meet. Replacing the planned 16.5-inch battery with treaty-compliant 16-inch guns would save weight in weapons, ammunition, and mountings. Rearranging the third turret and machinery spaces could preserve the design's sloped armour and subdivision. Displacement definitions and relatively small design changes could determine whether an advanced capital ship survived a treaty negotiation.