Turbine propulsion gave a battle line the sustained speed to control distance. HMS Dreadnought's 21 knots offered roughly a three-knot advantage over an 18-knot opponent, enough to choose whether to close, withdraw, or hold a favourable range. That margin could keep the ship's own guns effective while frustrating the enemy's. Propulsion therefore belonged in the same design calculation as armament and fire control.
Notable Point · 7:21-9:17
How turbines helped control the range
Turbines offered the sustained speed needed to choose a battle's range, making a modest speed advantage a tactical tool rather than just a headline figure.