Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:17:55-4:24:24

Completing Mackensen battlecruisers for the US Navy

American completion would replace German guns, machinery, and controls with US 14-inch weapons and a modern power plant, producing a costly but usable fast squadron reinforcement.

BattlecruisersMackensen Class BattlecruisersNaval GunneryUS NavyWar ReparationsWarship Refits
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Question

How should the US Navy complete two Mackensen-class battlecruisers received as World War I reparations?

Short answer

The proposed reconstruction uses American 14-inch guns, replacement machinery, and new controls for temporary service as fast reinforcements.

Notes

Two unfinished Mackensen-class battlecruisers would give the United States little that its own designs could not provide. Under the imposed completion requirement, the suggested changes include American 14-inch guns in place of the intended 13.8-inch weapons, new boilers, and a power plant resembling the Lexington arrangement. Fire control, sights, and other control systems would also change. The resulting ships are envisaged as faster reinforcements for the battle fleet for roughly a decade. The cost estimate is that completing two more Lexingtons would probably be cheaper.