Removing eight boilers would release substantial weight and internal volume in the King George V-class battleships. The saving might permit the intended battery of three quadruple 14-inch turrets instead of two quadruples and one twin. A 15-inch battery would still require a different treaty position or different decisions by Chatfield and the government, changes that a new engine alone cannot supply. Designers could also spend the margin on speed, subdivision, or protection. The example keeps the propulsion counterfactual tied to the historical constraints it actually changes.
Chapter · 27:57-31:27
Gas turbines change the King George V design without changing the treaty
The King George V class shows which design choices follow from machinery savings and which still depend on treaty and political decisions.