Q&A ยท 1:51:26-1:52:49

Could Italy obtain Parsons turbines?

A viewer asks whether turbine access would prevent Italy from completing an advanced Dante Alighieri on the assumed timetable.

Question

Would access to Parsons turbines prevent Italy from building the accelerated Dante Alighieri?

Short answer

No; Italy historically bought Parsons technology, and British turbines or licensed designs were also supplied to German and American builders.

Notes

Machinery procurement presents no serious barrier because Italy historically bought Parsons technology and British firms sold turbines or licensed designs abroad. Parsons also had an incentive to demonstrate foreign demand because an Italian sale could encourage Royal Navy orders. German and American warships depended on British turbine technology in this period as well. Naval rivalry did not close the commercial market, so machinery access remains plausible even for future competitors.