The Iowas represent the high point of a long design evolution because few contemporary ships combined their speed, guns and armour so effectively. Their 17-inch conning-tower protection sat beside deck armour that varied from about 0.63 inches to six inches. Those choices show that even mature designs preserve institutional assumptions. The class separates impressive armour figures from the practical question of where a commanding officer needs visibility during a mobile engagement.
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Iowa class at the end of the fast-battleship line
The Iowa class represents the mature fast battleship: heavy 16-inch firepower, very high speed and formidable protection.