Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:48:31-2:48:43

Would every common-hull ship keep the same armor?

The 11-inch and 15-inch battleships can retain a common protection scheme, while the carrier sheds belt armor to suit its different role and weight distribution.

Carrier DesignNaval ArmourScharnhorst Class BattleshipsShip Design
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Question

Would the armor scheme differ between the 11-inch battleship, 15-inch battleship, and carrier versions?

Short answer

Probably not between the two battleships, but the carrier would use a thinner belt and role-specific protection.

Notes

A common hull does not require every role-specific fitting to remain identical. Protection changes little between the 11-inch and 15-inch battleship versions. The carrier would use a thinner armored belt. Standardization therefore applies to the hull and machinery while still allowing the carrier's protection and upper works to change.