Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:14:58-1:19:02

Trading triple turrets for larger twin-gun mountings

Ships designed around triple mounts could later trade barrel count for larger twin guns, potentially lifting treaty limits to 16.5 inches and changing interwar construction.

Capital Ship ModernisationG3 Class BattlecruisersNaval GunsTriple TurretsWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

Would it be worthwhile to replace triple-gun turrets with twin mountings of a larger caliber?

Short answer

Yes, especially for Britain; the conversion path could increase firepower per shell and even change the Washington treaty's gun limit and replacement schedule.

Notes

A triple-turret fleet creates an upgrade path in which existing barbettes receive twin mountings of a larger caliber. British 12-inch triples might become twin 13.5-inch guns, while 15-inch triples could become twin 16.5-inch weapons derived from G3 development. Testing such a conversion on Queen Elizabeth, Renown, Repulse, or Hood could make 16.5 inches the Washington treaty ceiling. If Britain already possessed ships at that limit, it might lose the special case that produced Nelson and Rodney. Earlier replacement construction could then begin near the North Carolina schedule with different guns and a different interwar capital fleet.