The suggested Royal Navy programme starts with three batches of three ships before settling into smaller orders. Nine new ships would allow older 13.5-inch-gun vessels to retire after their replacements entered service. The proposed 40,000-ton ships would make 28 to 30 knots, carry nine 16-inch guns and retain substantial protection. All-forward armament follows the Nelson and Rodney layout to use displacement efficiently. Because battlecruisers would consume the same capital-ship allowance, fast battleships could provide speed while remaining suitable for the battle line. Continuous building would also preserve the construction industry. In this counterfactual, a modern British battle line would make Germany's new ships look less exceptional beside the Royal Navy.
Notable Point · 30:29-37:11
A Royal Navy of early fast battleships
The British alternative centers on 40,000-ton fast battleships, replacing older ships steadily without exceeding the construction allowance.