A Nelson class built around 15-inch/50 guns

How would Nelson change if its 16-inch guns were replaced by 15-inch/50-calibre guns?

The design could become more workable, but the larger effect would be a fleet-wide British commitment to an improved 15-inch standard.

A 15-inch/50 armament offers possible savings in turret size while retaining proven 15-inch ammunition. Smaller mountings could free enough space and weight to make Nelson's arrangement more workable, although it remains uncertain whether the savings would support another machinery unit. The most consequential change would be fleet-wide rather than confined to two ships. Successful 15-inch/50 guns could be fitted progressively to Hood, Renown, Repulse, the Queen Elizabeth class and the Revenge class as they modernized. With so many improved 15-inch weapons in service, a new 14-inch calibre for the King George V class would become difficult to justify. A common heavy-gun standard would simplify ammunition, infrastructure and later refits across the battle fleet.