Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:34:18-3:35:01

A twelve-gun Hawkins-class cruiser

Britain had the guns and twin-turret experience to build Hawkins-class ships with twelve 7.5-inch guns, though the layout would require a much more elaborate arrangement.

7.5-inch GunsHawkins Class Heavy CruisersHeavy CruisersRoyal NavyTwin Turrets
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Question

Could Britain build Hawkins-class cruisers with twelve 7.5-inch guns in six twin turrets?

Short answer

Yes; the guns and turret designs existed, although arranging six mounts would complicate the ship.

Notes

Britain had both 7.5-inch guns and twin-turret designs, so the proposed Hawkins armament was technically possible. A twelve-gun version could place two turrets forward, two aft, and one on each wing. A fourteen-gun alternative would use two forward, one aft, and two on each wing. These are possible layouts if the navy chose to pursue the idea.