Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:28:43-2:29:08

Why HMS Vanguard reused stored 15-inch guns

Vanguard paired a new fast hull with weapons already in storage to deliver a needed capital ship sooner.

BattleshipsHMS VanguardIndustrial CapacityNaval ProcurementRoyal Navy
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Question

What was the point of building HMS Vanguard with old guns?

Short answer

Reusing available turrets and guns let the Royal Navy pursue a fast battleship that could enter service sooner and make use of existing resources.

Notes

The Royal Navy wanted another fast battleship but also needed to use existing industrial capacity and equipment efficiently. Stored turrets and guns made it possible to design a new ship around proven weapons rather than wait for an entirely new heavy-gun programme.