Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:59:53-2:00:08

Why Ticonderoga did not receive the 8-inch Mark 71

Cost, belief that the naval gun's era had ended, and the need to strengthen the hull worked against fitting the Mark 71 to Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

Mark 71 8-inch/55 Major Caliber Lightweight GunNaval GunneryNaval ProcurementTiconderoga Class Cruisers
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why did the US Navy not fit the 8-inch/55 Mark 71 gun to the Ticonderoga class?

Short answer

Because of cost, a belief that naval guns were obsolete, and the hull strengthening the installation would require.

Notes

The missed 8-inch-gun option had several linked obstacles. The weapon would cost money, influential decision-makers believed guns had become obsolete, and the cruiser hull would need strengthening to accept it. The design change involved much more than a turret swap. This brief answer connects doctrine and procurement fashion to the structural work required by a much heavier gun system.