Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:55-31:30

The Type 82's cost was rooted in its scale

Different propulsion could have helped the Type 82, but a large destroyer still required a decision to fund it.

Naval ProcurementRoyal NavyType 82 DestroyerWarship Propulsion
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Question

What could have made the Type 82 destroyer more economically viable than the Type 42 alternative?

Short answer

A simpler power plant might have helped, but the principal issue was willingness to fund a large, capable ship.

Notes

A gas-and-diesel arrangement could have been simpler and more adaptable than combined gas and steam. Machinery changes would not solve the whole problem because a ship of Type 82's size remained expensive. Affordability ultimately depended on accepting the required outlay. Design economy and programme affordability were separate questions.