Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:59:41-2:00:14

A King George V redesign for a drier bow and heavier guns

Raising the King George V class's bow could address wetness, while a nine-gun 15-inch battery or continued Nelson-era 16-inch production offered heavier-armament paths at a displacement cost.

15-inch Guns16-inch GunsBattleshipsKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Naval ArchitectureRoyal Navy
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Question

How could the King George V class be redesigned to cure its wet bow and improve its main battery?

Short answer

Build up the bow and accept the extra weight, then use nine available 15-inch guns or continue the Nelson and Rodney 16-inch line.

Notes

A King George V redesign would build up the wet bow and accept the resulting increase in weight and displacement. Nine 15-inch guns offer one armament choice because that calibre was ready. Continued 16-inch production from Nelson and Rodney provides another path. Correcting seakeeping and changing armament both draw on the same weight and displacement budget.