Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:08:37-2:09:22

Rearming HMS Tiger with 14-inch or 15-inch guns

Tiger's existing 13.5-inch arrangements could accommodate a 14-inch adaptation, while Vanguard's 15-inch guns would require extensive reconstruction.

14-inch Guns15-inch GunsHMS Tiger (1913)HMS VanguardNaval GunneryWarship Conversion
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Question

How difficult would it have been to rearm HMS Tiger with the 15-inch guns later used in Vanguard?

Short answer

The 15-inch guns would require rebuilding the turret rings, magazines, and turret spaces; adapting Tiger for King George V-type 14-inch guns would be more viable.

Notes

Tiger's 13.5-inch gun arrangements make a conversion using 14-inch guns from the King George V design a viable proposal. Much of the existing arrangement could be adapted to that smaller increase in calibre. Fitting Vanguard's 15-inch guns would require rebuilding the turret rings, magazines, and turret spaces. The 15-inch scheme is therefore judged probably impractical, while the 14-inch alternative remains viable.