Q&A · 2:45:06-2:46:17

An all-forward King George V armament

An all-forward battleship layout becomes a discussion of barbette dimensions and the upgrade path from 14-inch to 16-inch guns.

Question

Could the King George V class have used an all-forward layout with three quadruple 14-inch turrets?

Short answer

Such 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.

Notes

Three 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.