Treaties, crews, and Göring constrain the fleet

At about 32,600 standard tons, the basic Scharnhorst design does not itself breach the 35,000-ton treaty ceiling, and seven German battleships remain proportionate to a much larger planned British fleet. Beginning with 11-inch ships also reduces diplomatic shock because foreign observers can dismiss their guns as modest beside contemporary 14-, 15-, and 16-inch weapons. The Scharnhorst weapons are nevertheless improved 45-calibre guns rather than simple repeats of the Deutschland-class armament. Manning is harder: Germany retained many officers, but experienced senior ratings would be stretched. Carrier aviation also creates an institutional fight with Hermann Göring, although a completed carrier without aircraft would embarrass Hitler and could force an air group into existence. Available aircraft concepts include the Fi 167 and Ju 87C.