How should Germany's prewar destroyer designs be repaired using technology available for World War II?
Short answerUse a repeatable hull with controlled topweight, torpedoes, mines, and reliable machinery. Gun proposals range from 105 mm to five inches, with range and seaworthiness matched to the intended theatre.
NotesThe first proposal enlarges an existing torpedo-boat design by 100-200 tons, adds a fifth 105 mm gun, and repeats that design without escalating the armament. A second proposal prioritises triple or quadruple torpedo mounts and as much minelaying capacity as the ship can safely carry. Dan also insists on sensible topweight, seaworthiness, and range for North Sea operations, but would permit five-inch guns. High-pressure boilers should prove reliable at sea before entering destroyer production. The disagreement concerns how much gun armament is acceptable within a balanced destroyer, while all three proposals reject turning it into an overloaded cruiser.