The Mark 71's range, shell capacity, and modest footprint make the case for retaining heavy naval guns alongside missiles. Its late-1970s range already approached 30 kilometres, before the possible addition of rocket-assisted or other modern ammunition. Continued development could have strengthened naval gunfire support and influenced later British and American warship choices. An eight-inch system would also provide reloadable firepower at sea, while vertical-launch missiles are much harder to replenish underway.
Chapter · 12:56-20:33
What the Mark 71 eight-inch gun might have changed
The Mark 71 raises the question of how a modern eight-inch naval gun could have altered surface firepower and ship design.