The bulges make Nidaros a damage-absorbing tactical anchor, though she is far from invulnerable. If the Germans target her first and the bulges defeat the opening torpedoes, her 9.2-inch guns and Eidsvold's weapons can concentrate on an exposed destroyer. Fog can prevent the rest of the German force from immediately assisting and create a short local fight. Germany could lose ships, embarked troops, and supplies before the harbor assault develops, while repeated hits or a strike beyond the bulged section would still sink Nidaros.
Notable Point · 47:44-50:08
If the opening torpedoes hit Nidaros instead
Nidaros might absorb the first torpedo spread and answer at point-blank range, turning a quick ambush into a costly close-quarters fight.