An earlier British AA cruiser programme could have developed a dual-purpose mounting around the 4.7-inch gun. The proposed comparison is with the 4.7-inch/50 Mark XI associated with the L class, whose formal design dates are given as 1937-39 after earlier development work. A cruiser would provide the space and stability for a mounting with about 80 degrees of elevation and a rate above ten rounds per minute. These are suggested capabilities for a hypothetical mounting. Such a weapon would probably have been suitable, although weaker than the 5.25-inch gun against surface targets and shorter-ranged against aircraft.
Notable Point · 20:37-22:47
A possible 4.7-inch armament for an earlier AA cruiser
An earlier British AA cruiser could have encouraged a high-angle 4.7-inch mounting, trading surface power and AA range for an intermediate solution.