Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:10:31-2:11:29

How large would a mini-Scharnhorst Deutschland be?

Adding a third triple 11-inch turret would require a longer hull, probably in a conventional two-forward, one-aft arrangement.

Deutschland Class CruisersGerman NavyNaval GunsScharnhorst Class BattleshipsWarship Design
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Question

How much larger would a Deutschland with three triple 11-inch turrets need to be?

Short answer

Roughly a turret length longer, plus clearance, most likely with two turrets forward and one aft.

Notes

The redesign begins with the existing turret footprint. The hull must grow by roughly a turret's length plus clearance for the mounting's working and firing arcs. A two-forward, one-aft battery would be the sensible arrangement, although German designers might consider alternatives. The answer turns the broader 'cheat properly' argument into a concrete explanation of the space that an extra major mounting consumes.