Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:56:35-1:57:43

Why a six-gun diesel fast battleship is underarmed

The proposed 25,000-ton fast battleship could protect itself adequately, but two Littorio-pattern triple turrets leave too little firepower for the hull.

BattleshipsDiesel PropulsionLittorio Class BattleshipsNaval GunsWarship Design
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Question

How would the proposed armor layout perform on a 25,000-ton diesel battleship with two Littorio-type turrets and a speed of 28 to 30 knots?

Short answer

The protection might work, but six main guns would leave the ship underarmed for its displacement.

Notes

The proposal shown to the panel combines roughly 25,000 tons standard displacement, 28 to 30 knots on diesel power, and two Littorio-pattern triple turrets. The speakers judge the armor concept capable of performing reasonably well. Its weakness is the six-gun main battery, which is light for a battleship of that size even when each weapon is powerful. Such a ship might appeal to a smaller navy as a budget capital ship, but the design pays heavily for speed and protection without receiving a full battleship broadside.