Q&A · 2:14:17-2:14:37

Littorio's problem was ammunition quality control

A brief answer separates the Littorio-class design from the ammunition-manufacturing problems that hurt its combat results.

Question

Did the Littorio class ever actually hit anything?

Short answer

Yes. The ships performed well, but inconsistent shells and propellant charges undermined their gunnery.

Notes

Calling the Littorio class inaccurate misses the distinction made here. The ships themselves performed well, while inconsistent shells and propellant charges undermined their gunnery. Naval gun performance depends on ammunition manufacture and quality control as well as the guns, directors, and hull. Combat results therefore cannot be attributed to ship design alone.