Comparing VT-fuzed ammunition with cheaper conventional shells by purchase price alone misses a ship's physical limits. Matching the anti-aircraft effect with more ordinary 5-inch rounds requires magazine space that may not exist. The guns also have only a limited time to fire before an aircraft passes through the engagement. A more effective round can therefore be worthwhile even when it costs more than the nominal equivalent number of conventional rounds. Improving destructive effect within a fixed shipboard volume is often easier than finding room for more ammunition and weapons.
Notable Point · 4:32:40-4:34:23
VT fuzes saved magazine space and engagement time
Magazine capacity and the short time available to engage an aircraft can justify more expensive VT-fuzed ammunition.