Q&A · 1:10:49-1:11:22

The updated Nelson alternative to King George V

The Royal Navy considered updated Nelson arrangements, which might have improved the practical use of quadruple turrets.

Battleship Design King George V Class Battleships (1939)Nelson Class Battleships Royal Navy

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Question

Did the Royal Navy consider an updated Nelson design before agreeing the King George V class?

Short answer

Yes; several designs existed, and an F3-style all-forward arrangement may have handled quadruple turrets better.

Notes

Updated Nelson-type designs were examined before the King George V class. An F3-like all-forward arrangement is favoured here and might have made quadruple turrets work more effectively. The final class was one choice among several mature capital-ship layouts.