Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 35:56-37:28

Which battleships could defeat a Nelson

Only the strongest later battleships offered a clear matchup, while Nelson's protected buoyancy and 16-inch guns remained dangerous throughout an engagement.

BattleshipsIowa Class BattleshipsLittorio Class BattleshipsNelson Class BattleshipsYamato Class Battleships
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Question

Which battleship classes had a clear chance against Nelson and Rodney?

Short answer

The Littorios, Iowas, and Yamatos had credible chances; most 15-inch and all 14-inch ships faced an exceptionally dangerous fight.

Notes

Littorio, Iowa, and Yamato are credible opponents, with ammunition quality qualifying the Italian case. Most 15-inch ships would face an exceptionally dangerous fight, and a 14-inch ship would be a poor choice for the matchup. Nelson's all-or-nothing scheme protected enough buoyancy that the ship could remain afloat and firing through extensive damage. Speed and maneuver therefore became an opponent's principal advantage, but every attempt to circle the slower ship still risked hits from its 16-inch guns.