Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:36:11-1:36:36

The doubtful logic of US Navy cage masts

Cage masts are presented as a questionable solution that added substantial high weight, much like later Japanese pagoda masts.

Battleship DesignCage MastsNaval ArchitectureTopweightUS Navy
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Question

What technical rationale justified the US Navy's cage masts?

Short answer

The rationale was weak, especially because the structure placed considerable weight high in the ship.

Notes

The technical rationale for US Navy lattice cage masts is difficult to justify in this account. The structures placed substantial weight high in the ship and invite comparison with Japanese pagoda masts. Their distinctive appearance came with consequences for stability and topweight. Superstructure arrangements were engineering decisions as well as visual signatures.