Chatfield's 14-inch choice becomes formidable only if the hoped-for automatic loading, long barrel, heavy ammunition and fire-control system all mature together. Historically, those supporting technologies were not ready, leaving the actual weapon without the decisive advantage imagined for it. Even a successful system would remain dominant only while competitors failed to copy its supporting advances. A rival could apply the same technologies to 16-, 18- or even 20-inch guns and reopen the calibre race at a much higher performance level. Success would start another naval arms race instead of settling it.
Notable Point · 44:24-46:43
A 14-inch advantage only lasts while rivals lag
A modernised 14-inch ship is powerful only if its supporting technologies mature first, and any advantage disappears once rivals apply them to larger weapons.