The class carried twin 13.5-inch breech-loading mountings, giving it a consistent heavy battery judged at least competitive with contemporary French and German designs. Its roughly 4,720-nautical-mile range at ten knots and 17.5-knot speed made the ships practical fleet units as well as heavily armed ones. Torpedo tubes and secondary weapons added to a design that posed a serious danger to any contemporary opponent. The armour belt was thicker than the calibre of the main guns, a choice that leads into the Royal Navy's assumptions about how battle would actually be fought.
Chapter · 8:52-11:20
Royal Sovereign-class firepower and protection
The Royal Sovereigns pair 13.5-inch guns, substantial armour, useful endurance, and 17.5-knot speed in a powerful pre-dreadnought design.