Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:48:28-2:48:48

The missed small-tube-boiler rebuild

Small-tube boilers could have improved the rebuilt Queen Elizabeths, but cost and armour-work constraints may have blocked the change.

Naval ProcurementQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsRoyal NavyShip ModernisationShip Propulsion
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Question

Why did the 1930s Queen Elizabeth-class rebuilds not include small-tube boilers and more power?

Short answer

The reason is unclear, although cost and armour-work complications were likely factors; the upgrade still appears to have been worthwhile.

Notes

The surviving discussion does not give a satisfying explanation for omitting small-tube boilers from the 1930s Queen Elizabeth-class reconstructions. Cost and interaction with the armour work were probably important constraints. Those difficulties do not make the propulsion change unnecessary. Its omission appears to be a lost opportunity in the rebuild programme.