Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 37:34-38:23

KGV's 14-inch gun versus the older 15-inch weapon

The panel explains why a newer 14-inch gun could outperform an older 15-inch weapon in penetration.

Armour PenetrationKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Naval ArtilleryQueen Elizabeth Class Battleships
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Question

Did the King George V class's 14-inch gun penetrate better than the Queen Elizabeth class's 15-inch gun?

Short answer

Probably yes, because its newer gun, charges, and ammunition could outweigh the older weapon's one-inch caliber advantage.

Notes

Caliber alone does not determine armor penetration. The King George V class's newer 14-inch weapon benefited from a longer barrel, more advanced propellant charges, and later shell design, while the Queen Elizabeth class's older 15-inch gun also received improved ammunition over its service life.