Some American dreadnoughts retained triple-expansion engines after turbine propulsion had become a common feature of the type. Limited American turbine capacity played a part, as did congressional funding shared among firms with different capabilities. The compromise brought an operational benefit that procurement decisions had not intended. Mature reciprocating machinery was easier to support on distant deployments, while early turbines required specialist parts and expertise available in fewer places. A choice associated with industrial limits and politics could therefore improve reliability, range, and worldwide maintenance.
Notable Point · 2:26-3:39
When older machinery improved global support
American use of triple-expansion engines arose partly from industrial and congressional constraints, yet the mature machinery could be easier to maintain on distant deployments than specialist turbines.