Tiger was ordered in 1911, laid down in 1912, launched in 1913, and commissioned in October 1914. Her eight 13.5-inch guns and battlecruiser status establish the upper end of the proposed force. She is an impressive and useful ship, but too expensive to provide mass or routine overseas presence in large numbers. A lower-cost companion must match her speed and complement her missions without trying to duplicate capital-ship firepower.
Chapter · 5:22-8:21
HMS Tiger as the starting point
HMS Tiger's service dates, 13.5-inch armament, speed, and battlecruiser character set the benchmark for the proposed companion cruisers.