Testing a small dreadnought for long-range fire

The UAD test pits the compact Spanish design's accuracy and range against a German opponent with more guns and a higher rate of fire. The Spanish ship is heavily protected, with some scope to reduce its armour. Its long-range fire eventually leaves the opponent in trouble. Long barrels carry a cost beyond the battle: they are harder to maintain and require replacement after fewer rounds. Several ships of this kind are expected to work better together, so the design is judged in terms of fleet numbers as well as a duel. The later assessment calls the German ship overloaded and acknowledges that human control against an AI opponent makes the test uneven.