F2, F3, and Nelson were all two-shaft designs, so F3's 96,000 shaft horsepower raises a metallurgy and transmission question. The proposed engineering connection is John Brown's work with Curtis on turbines and shaft design, which makes that power output appear technically plausible. Nelson's standard displacement sat below the 35,000-ton treaty ceiling, suggesting room to consider a faster battleship with adjusted protection. A designer might have needed a uniform 13-inch belt or other armor changes to accommodate more machinery. Such a ship could remain within the standard-displacement ceiling even while exceeding 35,000 tons fully loaded.
Notable Point · 25:23-28:28
John Brown shaft engineering makes F3 power technically plausible
Contemporary British turbine and shaft development offers a possible basis for F3's high output; a faster battleship near the treaty limit might also require armor adjustments.