Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:53-6:08

Why the H class remains a paper battleship

The German H class had impressive specifications, but its limited construction progress says little about whether the ships could have been completed and operated.

German NavyH Class BattleshipsShip DesignUnbuilt Battleships
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Question

How would the H class have performed if built?

Short answer

Its status as a formidable design concept should not be confused with a demonstrated ability to complete or operate it.

Notes

The H class belongs among the unbuilt capital ships because construction had barely progressed. Impressive paper statistics say little about whether Germany could have completed and operated such a vast battleship. The comparison with an overweight submarine design raises basic questions of displacement, buoyancy, machinery, and industrial execution. Intended performance is different from a demonstrated ability to build a workable ship.