One preferred alternative for the Nelson-era program is a new 15-inch/50 gun. The estimated saving against the 16-inch battery is about 1,000 tons. Combined with the roughly 1,200 tons between the ships' stated 33,800-ton displacement and the 35,000-ton treaty ceiling, this would leave about 2,200 tons for other requirements. The suggested result is an F3-style capital ship with 28-knot speed, substantial armor and 15-inch/50 guns. The proposal also envisages modernizing the rest of the fleet with the new gun, while criticizing the historical swing toward 16 inches and then toward smaller weapons.
Notable Point · 2:05:23-2:06:50
A 15-inch/50 alternative to Nelson's 16-inch battery
An estimated 2,200-ton margin supports a proposed 28-knot F3-style ship with a new 15-inch/50 battery.