Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 44:26-45:01

How higher treaty limits reshape the Tribal class

An extra 250 tons for destroyer leaders could give the Tribal class four twin dual-purpose 4.7-inch mountings and perhaps more torpedoes.

Destroyer LeadersDual Purpose GunsLondon Naval TreatyTorpedoesTribal Class Destroyers (1936)Warship Design
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Question

What changes if the London Naval Treaty permits 2,000-ton destroyers and 2,250-ton destroyer leaders?

Short answer

The Tribal class could gain four twin dual-purpose 4.7-inch mountings and possibly a larger torpedo battery.

Notes

Raising standard displacement to 2,000 tons for destroyers and 2,250 for leaders would give designers a meaningful margin. That margin goes first to four twin 4.7-inch dual-purpose mountings for the Tribal class. The heavier and more capable battery changes the ship's air-defense as well as surface-combat value. Any remaining weight might support additional torpedoes, but the gun system is the primary design change.