Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 46:32-47:05

A separate treaty limit for heavy cruisers

Separating heavy and light cruisers could place the heavy type near 18,000 tons rather than forcing both into the 10,000-ton treaty box.

Heavy CruisersNaval ProcurementNaval TreatiesWarship Design
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Question

What would be a reasonable treaty tonnage limit for heavy cruisers if light cruisers kept the original 10,000-ton ceiling?

Short answer

About 18,000 tons standard displacement is the likely compromise.

Notes

A realistic separate ceiling for heavy cruisers would fall between fifteen and twenty thousand tons. Political compromise would likely settle close to eighteen thousand tons standard displacement. That allowance would permit more balanced protection, endurance, and armament than the historical 10,000-ton type. It would also affect the treaty hierarchy above the cruiser because larger cruisers press toward capital-ship roles and limits.