Could the King George V class have used an all-forward layout with three quadruple 14-inch turrets?
Short answerSuch a layout was plausible and could make later conversion easier because the quadruple 14-inch barbette could accommodate a triple 16-inch mounting, unlike the smaller twin position.
NotesThree forward quadruple turrets could have given the class a more uniform arrangement and simplified later modernization. The large quadruple barbette could accept a triple 16-inch turret, while the twin mounting's smaller barbette could not. The initial turret arrangement could therefore determine the battleship's future upgrade options.