A planned eight-ship R class would have replaced the Royal Navy's 12-inch-gunned capital ships in the active fleet. The older ships could then move into reserve while 13.5-inch and 15-inch ships formed the main battle line. With numerical superiority, Britain could tolerate American movement toward 16-inch guns without immediately designing another generation. This would have left time to assess foreign developments before deciding the next step, until the First World War disrupted the program.
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The R class in Britain's prewar fleet-renewal plan
Eight planned R-class battleships would move older 12-inch ships into reserve and give Britain time to assess the next generation of foreign designs.