Friedman's account distinguishes the decision to fit 11-inch guns for economy from a broader tactical preference for small-calibre battleship armament. Tirpitz considered using more guns of smaller calibre but rejected the idea. As expected battle ranges increased, those weapons would become ineffective before heavier guns did. That reasoning challenges the claim that German designers simply believed smaller guns were inherently better.
Notable Point · 11:44-12:03
Growing battle ranges favour big-gun armament
Tirpitz rejected more numerous smaller guns because increasing engagement ranges would make them ineffective, challenging a simple story of German preference for lighter weapons.