Heavy Warship Missile Conversions

[Legend]

I just feel very intriuged by this subject and would like to open a thread about it. The fact that USS Hawaii almost was converted saddens me very much... considering she was already so far into her construction. Same for BB-66, USS Kentucky, which ended up being scrapped for parts for fast oilers.

Another Idea that crossed my mind is that the French Battleship Jean Bart would have been a prime canidate for missiles, considering that ALL of her main armament was forward of her superstructure, leaving a very spacious stern. I can just see a Cold War version with a secondary battery of Oto Meleras and some form of the mk13 or mk26 on the stern.

[marcelo_malara]

Another Idea that crossed my mind is that the French Battleship Jean Bart would have been a prime canidate for missiles

According to Duma´s French BBs, it was thought, but the idea discarded. The Jean Bart was considered obsolete and given training mission, I think that no money was thought justified of spending on her.

[Kyler]

The Stalin class BB's under construction in Russia in the late 40's & early 50's were to be converted as well. The vessels were stopped and later scrapped after Stalin's death. Though one hull was used to test anti-ship missiles.

[RF]

As a missile carrier it is surely better to have a purpose built ship - converted heavy warships generally continued in their original role?

[Legend]

Converted ships would gain the ability to defend themselves more effectively against aerial and submerged targets.

[yellowtail3]

I just feel very intriuged by this subject and would like to open a thread about it.

alrighty...

Another Idea that crossed my mind is that the French Battleship Jean Bart would have been a prime canidate for missiles, considering that ALL of her main armament was forward of her superstructure, leaving a very spacious stern. I can just see a Cold War version with a secondary battery of Oto Meleras and some form of the mk13 or mk26 on the stern.

I don't think those were around when Jean Bart was still afloat - and France would have had to buy the gear from abroad.

There was the Boston & Canberra, and then the Albany-class ships with Talos & Tarter.