Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:34:33-1:35:19

Would larger destroyers survive Typhoon Cobra better?

Larger destroyers would probably fare better in Typhoon Cobra, though the outcome would still depend on the design.

DestroyersFarragut Class Destroyers (1934)Fletcher Class DestroyersSeakeepingShip StabilityTyphoon CobraUS Navy
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Question

Would larger Fletcher- and Farragut-class destroyers have fared better in Typhoon Cobra?

Short answer

Probably, because larger ships generally gain survivability, but the particular design still matters.

Notes

Larger Fletcher- and Farragut-class destroyers would probably fare better in Typhoon Cobra. The expectation rests on a general advantage for bigger ships in surviving severe weather. The result still depends on the particular design, so extra displacement is not a guarantee. Avoiding the typhoon remains the strongest recommendation.