In this assessment, Scharnhorst was the best fast battleship Germany could build at the time. Its 11-inch guns would face ships with 16.5-inch or 18-inch weapons in the scenario. A speed above 28 knots provides a narrower advantage when numerous opponents can also exceed 28 knots. Damage that reduces speed could remove the ability to escape.
Notable Point · 1:23:56-1:24:41
Scharnhorst loses its escape margin against numerous fast battleships
High speed is less reassuring when many opponents are also fast and carry much heavier guns.