Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:14:57-2:15:58

Nagato compared with Renown and Repulse

Nagato is judged closer in character to the Queen Elizabeth class than to the lightly protected British battlecruisers Renown and Repulse.

BattlecruisersBattleshipsImperial Japanese NavyNagato Class Battleships
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Question

How would Nagato compare with Renown and Repulse against the Japanese battle line?

Short answer

Nagato is the stronger and newer design, closer to a Queen Elizabeth than to the less protected Renown and Repulse.

Notes

Fast capital ships are not all equivalent. Nagato belongs closer to the Queen Elizabeth class than to the more lightly protected British battlecruisers Renown and Repulse. Her newer battleship design would make a meeting with the Japanese battle line especially dangerous for the British pair. The comparison turns on protection and intended battle-line role as well as speed or gun calibre.