One proposed reply is a repeat Queen Elizabeth with small-tube boilers, estimated at about 28 knots while retaining eight 15-inch guns. The alternative ten-gun design originally considered for Queen Elizabeth offers another starting point. Its original speed is corrected to roughly 20-22 knots, rising to an estimated 25-26 knots with improved boilers before further machinery or hull work. Lengthening that design for ten 16-inch guns is then projected to yield 27-28 knots with substantial belt protection. An eight-gun 16.5-inch variant would remove one turret and release length for more machinery, suggesting a still faster battleship. These are conditional design exercises assembled from existing British development work, and their quoted speeds are estimates for the proposed combinations.
Notable Point · 27:52-31:28
Revised Queen Elizabeth designs offered several replies to L20
Small-tube boilers, heavier guns, and changes in turret count produce several proposed British responses to a German L20 programme.