Q&A · 2:06:13-2:06:52

Why heavier Canarias-class guns would not change Spanish employment

Larger guns improve individual ships but do not remove the financial, industrial, and strategic limits governing Spanish cruiser operations.

Question

How would Spain use three Canarias-class cruisers armed with 9.2-inch guns?

Short answer

Much as it used the historical ships, because heavier guns would not change Spain's infrastructure, economy, or strategic situation.

Notes

A 9.2-inch Canarias derivative would be a larger and more powerful cruiser than the historical 8-inch ship. Spain's ports, budgets, maintenance base, and political situation would nevertheless remain the same. Those constraints determine where the cruisers can operate and how they are used during the Civil War. Broadly similar employment and fates remain likely despite the heavier battery.