Several possible American responses to Yamato retain the Montana concept. One extends the hull to carry a fifth turret and fifteen 16-inch guns. A return to 18-inch guns appears less likely despite their individual destructive power. American experiments had already exposed the lower rate of fire, while long-range doctrine needed enough shells downrange to secure hits. More 16-inch barrels could therefore offer a better practical answer than fewer weapons of maximum calibre.
Notable Point · 1:21:05-1:23:19
Volume of fire over an 18-inch gun
A possible Montana successor keeps 16-inch weapons because long-range doctrine valued more shells and a higher rate of fire over maximum calibre.