Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 8:57-16:40

What high-pressure boilers could do for Royal Navy battleships

Much higher steam pressure could make Warspite a roughly 28-knot ship and turn later British battleships into exceptionally fast capital ships.

Alternate HistoryBattleshipsHMS WarspiteKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Naval PropulsionRoyal Navy
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Question

What if the Royal Navy had working 855 PSI boilers and turbines before World War II?

Short answer

Warspite might reach about 28 knots before hull efficiency and structural loads become severe, while King George V and Lion designs could become roughly 33-knot battleships.

Notes

The machinery change would require matching turbines and hull reinforcement as well as better boilers. More powerful King George V and Lion designs could reach about 33 knots, changing the tactical geometry of engagements such as the Denmark Strait. Warspite's hull form imposes a practical ceiling near 28 knots even if machinery output roughly doubles. Later purpose-designed hulls could use the power more effectively, producing capital ships fast enough to alter which vessels scout, support carriers, or intercept Bismarck.