Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:42:52-2:44:45

An all-forward King George V would favor more guns over more speed

Rearranging the main battery forward would more likely support a third 14-inch turret than a speed increase because 28 knots was already adequate for a fast battleship.

BattleshipsHMS VanguardKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Naval ArtilleryShip Design
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Question

Would an all-forward King George V design gain a third quadruple 14-inch turret or more speed?

Short answer

More guns are likelier; 28 knots was already sufficient, so the design effort would probably pursue a third main-battery turret.

Notes

An all-forward King George V-class battleship would have little need to spend the redesign on speed because 28 knots already made the class fast enough for fleet work. If weight and internal arrangement allowed, the Royal Navy would more likely seek another quadruple 14-inch turret, although a triple mount might be more practical. Continuing triple-turret production could also influence a later Vanguard design. One layout choice could therefore affect the supply of armament for a future battleship.