Q&A · 2:42:40-2:43:35

Could a better-armored Renown keep its speed?

A Renown-class ship carrying heavier armor and triple 15-inch turrets would need somewhat more boiler power, while the larger hull's structural stresses become the deeper design problem.

Question

Could a Renown-class ship with Revenge-class armor and triple 15-inch turrets retain its speed with the same boilers?

Short answer

It would probably need somewhat more boiler power, and the added weight and hull stress would be the more serious constraint.

Notes

The closing design question asks whether a Renown armed with triple 15-inch turrets and protected like a Revenge could retain high speed. The machinery of the period would require somewhat more boiler power, though not an extreme increase. The more serious difficulty is the weight and stress introduced into the longer, larger hull. Speed cannot be assessed from boiler count alone because armament, armor, hull-girder strength, and displacement interact.