Q&A · 4:54:05-4:57:38

Could a battleship carry three Gustav-gun turrets?

Gustav-sized naval guns drive the hypothetical ship toward immense displacement, slow firing, and inadequate protection against weapons of its own size.

Question

Could a battleship mount three twin turrets armed with 31-inch Gustav guns?

Short answer

It is considered physically possible at roughly 200,000 to 300,000 tons, but low speed, inadequate protection against its own guns, and a rate of fire measured in rounds per hour make it impractical.

Notes

Three twin turrets with Gustav-sized guns are considered physically buildable, at an estimated displacement of 200,000 to 300,000 tons. The space needed for guns and machinery would produce a ship roughly three times Yamato's size, with a suggested speed of about 18 knots. The protection estimate is against 20-inch guns, with armour against its own 31.5-inch battery rejected as impractical. Rate of fire would be measured in rounds per hour. Removing armour along the lines of the large light cruisers would save weight but leave an exceptionally expensive ship poorly protected.