The Lexingtons had evolved from ten 14-inch guns to eight 16-inch/50 weapons before cancellation. Reverting to 14-inch guns would release weight for armor and make the ships more balanced battlecruisers, while reducing the planned 16-inch weapon to 15 inches could create an exceptionally long 15-inch/53 gun. That high velocity promises range but also raises barrel-wear, pressure, and ammunition-development problems. A more conventional 15-inch/45 or /50 would sacrifice some performance in exchange for weight savings and easier design improvement. The alternative is a political exception that lets five American Lexingtons retain 16-inch guns while the larger British and Dominion force accepts 15-inch weapons.
Notable Point · 1:00:00-1:03:27
Lexington gun caliber trades range for protection
American designers can return to 14-inch guns, create a very high-velocity 15-inch weapon, or retain 16-inch guns as a treaty concession, with different protection and barrel-life costs.