The balance between protection, firepower, and mobility changes as machinery becomes more compact. Better power density allows more power from a given volume. Firepower also depends on the space available, so a sensible hull arrangement can make better use of improving machinery. Sensors, speed, and armament still have to be balanced against cost.
Notable Point · 1:25:14-1:26:09
Power density changes a destroyer's design tradeoffs
Improving machinery power density can alter how much of a destroyer's limited space is available for its other capabilities.