Did rapid technological change explain the Royal Navy's many interwar gun developments?
Short answerAircraft performance and treaty changes repeatedly overtook standardisation attempts, while available funding allowed the Royal Navy to keep developing replacements.
NotesThe Royal Navy repeatedly tried to standardise its guns as aircraft performance and treaty arrangements changed. One effort ran from the early 1920s to about 1925, followed by another beginning around 1925-26 and lasting to 1930. A further attempt in 1931-36 gave way to work towards the 4.5-inch gun from 1937. Requirements changed before each effort had settled, and available funding let the navy keep revisiting its choices. In this interpretation, the US Navy's limited funds constrained development until closer to the Second World War and the arrival of the 5-inch/38. Having more money therefore contributed to repeated Royal Navy changes without producing a stable battery sooner.