The Belknap and Truxtun layout carried a missile launcher forward and a five-inch gun aft, unlike the double-ended Leahy class. Replacing the second missile battery with a gun reduced the space needed for missile assembly and left a more useful aviation arrangement. The Standard missile's compatibility with the earlier Terrier installation also gave the ships a practical upgrade path. Official speed and shaft-power figures for Truxtun remain difficult to reconcile with Bainbridge, so the performance comparison is tentative.
Chapter · 15:08-18:45
Single-ended missiles made room for helicopters
A design comparison explains how single-ended missile ships traded a second launcher for a gun aft, better helicopter arrangements, and upgrade room.