Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:34:12-3:35:04

A 9.2-inch treaty limit would pull rival cruisers toward the British calibre

American and Japanese 10-inch cruisers would likely give way to 9.2-inch designs after comparisons exposed the British weapon's rate-of-fire advantage.

9.2-inch GunsCounty Class CruisersCruisersImperial Japanese NavyNaval GunneryUS NavyWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

How would the United States and Japan respond to British County-class cruisers armed with 9.2-inch guns?

Short answer

They might begin with 10-inch cruisers, then shift toward 9.2 inches after seeing the British rate-of-fire advantage.

Notes

In this treaty system, the upper cruiser calibre settles at 9.2 or perhaps 10 inches. Britain would choose the 9.2-inch weapon because the slower rate of fire of a 10-inch gun does not repay its extra weight. The United States and Japan might build an initial generation of 10-inch cruisers and then compare them with the British ships. The likely result is convergence on 9.2 inches as rivals seek heavier shells with a practical cruiser firing rate.