Q&A · 1:49:07-1:50:25

A 1934 plan to rationalize Royal Navy gun calibers

Concentrating development on 4.5-, 5.25-, 6-, and improved 15-inch weapons would trade variety for common production and modernization paths.

Question

If you controlled Royal Navy armament policy in 1934, which calibers would you eliminate?

Short answer

Concentrate on 4.5-, 5.25-, 6-, and improved 15-inch weapons, ending competing 4-, 4.7-, 14-, and 16-inch development.

Notes

With hindsight, resources would focus on completing a useful dual-purpose 4.5-inch system while new 4- and 4.7-inch development stopped. The 5.25- and 6-inch roles would remain, while new 14- and 16-inch capital-ship guns were canceled. An improved 15-inch/45 with higher elevation and a better turret would become the common heavy weapon. The same standard could modernize existing capital ships, including the Nelson class, and simplify the fleet's gunnery ecosystem.