Two modified cruisers make 33 rather than 36 knots, but carry twelve 6-inch guns instead of eight. They also gain four additional 4-inch guns, more armor, and greater range. The shift resembles a move from a Leander-style balance toward a Town-class battery. The design exchanges three knots of speed for guns, protection, and cruising range.
Notable Point · 15:48-16:17
Trading cruiser speed for firepower, armor, and range
A three-knot speed reduction buys a much heavier gun battery, better protection, and greater range in a comparison framed as a move from Leander-like to Town-like capability.