Q&A · 3:50:39-3:50:46

Is a 20-inch naval gun feasible?

A 20-inch gun is technically possible, but its size, weight, and expense would dominate the ship built to carry it.

20-inch Guns Battleship Design Naval Gunnery

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Question

Is a 20-inch naval gun possible?

Short answer

Yes in principle, but it would be exceptionally large, heavy, and expensive.

Notes

A 20-inch naval gun is possible in principle. The meaningful objections are the great size, weight, and cost imposed by the weapon. Those penalties leave the value of an operational ship built around it unproven. Technical possibility and practical naval value are separate questions.