A 9.2-inch-gun successor to the Hawkins class

What changes should a second batch or flight of Hawkins-class cruisers receive?

Use the alternative study with eight 9.2-inch guns in four twin turrets, heavier armor, and greater speed.

Rather than incrementally alter the service Hawkins design, the answer returns to an earlier study and selects the rejected 9.2-inch-gun option. Four twin turrets would provide eight heavy guns in a much more concentrated battery. The proposed ship also has a six-inch belt, about three inches of deck protection over vital spaces, lighter deck protection elsewhere, and roughly 34 knots. Calling it a second Hawkins batch hides how decisively the alternative study changes the cruiser's combat role.