Q&A · 2:35:46-2:36:25

Why Britain rejected superimposed secondary batteries

British designers preferred low secondary batteries on one level to limit topweight and simplify aiming and organization.

Metacentric Height Royal Navy Secondary Batteries Warship Design

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Question

Why did Britain consider a superimposed secondary-battery layout unworkable?

Short answer

It raised weight and metacentric-height concerns, while a single low battery level was easier to aim and organize.

Notes

British designers wanted to keep weight low because of their concern with metacentric height and stability. Keeping the secondary batteries on one level also made them easier to aim and organize. The arrangement depended on the ships they were designing.