Rangefinders had to acquire a target beyond effective gun range so firing solutions existed before an enemy entered the engagement envelope. The Royal Navy often opened at maximum range while closing, whereas German practice often waited for a shorter and apparently more accurate shot. American and Japanese plans for long-range battleship fire also show that long-range capability and a closing doctrine were compatible. A faster ship could choose the direction, angle, and rate of approach to improve its firing geometry. Presenting a narrow bow-on target lowered hit probability but made a successful lengthwise hit more damaging, so speed enabled calculated risk as well as escape. Pelly's Tiger embodied that distinction by accepting tactical exposure while refusing unsafe ammunition handling.
Notable Point · 1:05:25-1:10:25
The logic of long-range gunnery and controlled closing
Rangefinder reach, opening-fire doctrine, and a ship's speed worked together to control engagement geometry rather than forcing a choice between distant fire and closing action.