Vickers found an important customer for its 14-inch guns in the Japanese Navy and also competed for American business. American companies developed their own weapons while facing that commercial pressure. The proposed explanation for the US Navy's move from 12-inch to 14-inch guns includes Vickers' sales efforts and its work with Tillman's committee. An intermediate calibre such as 13.5 inches was another possible choice. Private manufacturers and export competition could influence national armament decisions.
Notable Point · 1:31:20-1:32:40
Vickers salesmanship and the international 14-inch gun
Vickers' promotion of 14-inch guns links Japanese orders, competition with American manufacturers and the US Navy's move beyond 12-inch weapons.