In this counterfactual, Scharnhorst-class ships, Admiral Hippers, and Bismarcks have much longer ranges than their steam-driven historical counterparts. Scaling the Deutschland-class machinery concept across three shafts could produce exceptionally long-legged surface raiders. The range figures are rough projections: about 15,000 nautical miles for Scharnhorst, 10,000 to 12,000 for an Admiral Hipper, and perhaps 18,000 for Bismarck. Extra endurance would make the Indian and Pacific Oceans more plausible operating areas and place greater pressure on British trade routes. For Bismarck, the consequences extend beyond fuel economy because a diesel machinery layout could affect internal arrangement, hull efficiency, and crew organization.
Chapter · 33:00-37:34
Diesel propulsion for Scharnhorst, Hipper, and Bismarck
Scaling diesel machinery into major German warships could extend raiding range and make distant oceans more accessible, while reshaping the ships themselves.