How worried would Britain and the United States be if Germany built six Bismarck-class ships with V-2 launchers replacing their after turrets?
Short answerThey would fear the six battleships more than the rockets, because unstable launch platforms, hazardous propellant, and the loss of half the main battery make the V-2 conversion a liability.
NotesSix Bismarck-class battleships would cause more concern than the V-2 installations themselves. A moving ship raises questions about the stability of the rocket launch platform. Replacing the after turrets with rockets and energetic propellant also reduces gun power and adds a dangerous exposed installation. The remaining two twin turrets would provide four 15-inch guns. New triple turrets could raise that to six, but would require further design work and still compare poorly in gun numbers with a British battleship carrying ten 14-inch guns.