KGV class revisited

[dunmunro]

and some evidences comparing output of quad vs twin turrets.....
Again, even in rough seas (North Cape) I'm only aware of quad turret problems. If I'm right the twin performed always very well when in action.

Bye, Alberto

Output by turret

A = 60.7 rpg = 76% (based on 3 guns only as one missed all but 6 of 80 salvos. Best two guns =85% )
B = 63.5 rpg = 79% (one gun missed 30 salvos)
Y = 30.5 rpg = 65% (one gun had clean shoot, one missed 31 of 47 possible salvos. Best two guns = 84% )
(From Loss of the Scharnhorst)

From examining other prolonged actions, it is evident that gunnery output will fall dramatically during prolonged shoots on any BB

[alecsandros]

... I am waiting for % output with explanations of missed salvos for post-1941 actions in good sea conditions.

[slaterat]

I tink that the KGVs get some very harsh and undeserved criticisms. The Tarrant book is particularily very critical of the design. They are often described as under gunned being armed with 14", but as has already been discussed in this thread the 14/45 was a fine gun being a good penetrater, very accurate and also carrying bigger bursting charge than any of its contemporaries (except the Yamatos 18"). Fairly important when you consider the purpose of the armour piercing shell is to deliver the charge.The KGVs also have very well protected magazines ; With a thick, deep main belt made of the best quality armour, a 6" deck on top and 1.5" splinter protection. Combined with the tight flash prevention system and placing the shell rooms on top of the magazines deep in the hull the KGVs could have the best protected magazines of any battleship ever built.(I consider the Bismarck a fairly close second) The more recent discovery of the wreck of the POW has nullified much of the suggested problems with the torpedo defence system. The title of this thread is correct the KGVs should be revisited , perhaps with a new book dispelling much of the myths regarding these fine ships.

Slaterat

[Gopher]

The three principle factors never taken into account by "experts" is the cost, the KGV's being cheaper than their rivals; The usage, RN naval ship invariably were used more and Radar suite which negated the need to spend huge amount of cash on the actual ship.

[Dave Saxton]

The RN was indeed strapped for cash during the 1930s and these considerations did impact the design. Such factors were the reasons why the UK pushed for the 14" gun limit during negotiations for London II. If all new contruction used 14" guns, then their aging battle fleet would be at a lesser disadvantage vs new forgien construction. This is what happens when politicians plan on hope for solutions instead of practicing realpolitik.

Since there is considerable cost and time involved in the design of new guns and mountings, they should have recycled their existing twin 15" mounting in the same way they later did with Vanguard. With the 35,000 ton limit still in effect they could start construction on a pair of super Renowns (35k tons, 6x15", 32 knots, heavy protection, long endurance) right away. The esculator clause could be invoked as early as 1936 to go to 45k tons limit and they could just build Vanguards in anticipation of that, or from that point on until war started.

[RF]

The RN was indeed strapped for cash during the 1930s and these considerations did impact the design. Such factors were the reasons why the UK pushed for the 14" gun limit during negotiations for London II. If all new contruction used 14" guns, then their aging battle fleet would be at a lesser disadvantage vs new forgien construction. This is what happens when politicians plan on hope for solutions instead of practicing realpolitik.
.

Even if the 14 inch calibre maximum was accepted into the Washington treaties framework you can expect the Germans, Italians and Japanese to simply violate the terms and build to the calibre's they did. In essence it would have no effect. The US would have resorted to 16 inch because of the violations.

[tameraire01]

They were meant to have 16 inch guns in triple turrets but the japanese ruined that idea by walking out. We would of used the escalator clause but it would cause a delay to the building to each battleship.

[Dave Saxton]

http://www.amazon.com/British-Battleshi ... 0870218174

Luckily, a nearby university library has it. Maybe you will be equally as lucky. This account is very good about the lead up to the KGV's and the Lions.