The design begins with a battleship intended to be so survivable that opponents would avoid fighting it. Long range, a heavy 16.5-inch battery, and substantial secondary armament define the initial concept. It soon becomes too heavy and unstable, forcing trades among speed, turret count, armour, bulkheads, machinery, and hull dimensions. Reducing speed and protection creates room, but every saving alters the intended balance. By 3:16 the design is rejected and moved to another hull rather than launched with an accumulation of compromises.
Chapter · 2:55:32-3:16:16
Balancing a survivable Queen Elizabeth-class concept
The first Queen Elizabeth-class concept pursues maximum range, heavy guns, and protection, but its weight, pitch, and machinery compromises make the design unacceptable.