The proposed Spanish ship receives a rough displacement estimate of 40,000 tons. Twelve 15-inch guns and a 13-inch belt inclined at 30 degrees demand a substantial hull. A speed of 26.8 knots still requires considerable machinery, even though it is below the fastest capital ships. Range from Cartagena to Havana without refueling adds another demand, with a passage speed tentatively placed around 12 to 15 knots. The estimate is a response to the hypothetical specification, rather than a completed design calculation.
Notable Point · 38:20-39:15
Why the proposed Spanish battleships approach 40,000 tons
Armament, armor, speed, and transatlantic endurance explain the rough 40,000-ton estimate for the hypothetical Spanish design.