Blanco Encalada's loss marks the transition from older ironclad batteries to quick-firing guns intended to stop fast torpedo craft before launch. The newer Capitán Prat design already carried numerous rapid-fire weapons for that purpose, while Blanco Encalada had not received a comparable modernization. The countermeasure was tactically sensible because a detected boat could be engaged outside effective torpedo range. Its apparent success, however, encouraged navies to treat any torpedo hit mainly as a failure of lookout or gun defence. A weapon can remain strategically dangerous even when doctrine assumes the screen will prevent it from ever reaching firing position.
Notable Point · 2:45:05-2:46:23
Quick-firing guns answered torpedo boats - but bred confidence
Caldera Bay encouraged quick-firing close defence, but success at keeping torpedo boats outside launch range could also disguise the weapon's continuing danger.