The anti-aircraft battery is concentrated around the after superstructure, giving some mounts restricted arcs over the after turret. The layout may reflect an expectation of attacks from the quarters, or it may simply result from fitting weapons around machinery and balance constraints. It still provides a concentrated battery for a cruiser of this period, although the firing arcs are imperfect. The tall conning tower carries heavy protection high in the hull, which imposes a centre-of-mass and stability penalty.
Notable Point · 5:31-6:54
Anti-aircraft layout and topweight tradeoffs
A close look at the gun arrangement shows concentrated anti-aircraft fire arcs and the stability cost of a heavily protected conning tower.