Fast cruisers of up to 20,000 tons with numerous 9.2-inch guns would make older battlecruisers harder to justify in this scenario. Replacement is initially preferred for the Kongos, Renown, Repulse and Tiger. Even existing 8-inch gunfire at close range is identified as a serious threat to the Kongos, with one left crippled and vulnerable to air attack the next day. The later comparison gives Tiger a more favourable position than Renown and Repulse because of her armour, while suggesting an earlier fire-control refit for Hood. Renown and Repulse would still struggle against repeated 9.2-inch hits. Older gun mountings could also require greater elevation to match the range of the hypothetical cruiser armament.
Notable Point · 7:30:45-7:36:54
Why Tiger Cubs would challenge older battlecruisers
Rapid 9.2-inch gunfire would force difficult choices between replacing older battlecruisers and rebuilding their protection or gun mountings.