Bismarck with 3 triple turrets

Historical what if discussions, hypothetical operations, battleship vs. battleship engagements, design your own warship, etc.
paul.mercer
Senior Member
Posts: 1224
Joined: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:25 pm

Re: Bismarck with 3 triple turrets

Post by paul.mercer »

RNfanDan wrote:
paul.mercer wrote: I have to say that a Bismarck with 9x15" would have been even more formidable!
More formidable than a Montana-class battleship? :o

Or, more formidable than the Bismarck, as it existed...? <<<(Please choose THIS option!) :clap:
More formidable than the Bismarck as it existed, the Montanas would have indeed been super battleships!
sineatimorar
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Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 1:42 pm

Re: Bismarck with 3 triple turrets

Post by sineatimorar »

In bring up the Yamato the discussion needs a bit of historical understanding for that design. Although the Yamato was not treaty restricted in any way, it is wrong to think that there was no strategic restrictions at all. Restrictions of draft was a major factor due topographical consideration in much the same way it was for the Germans. 18 inch or larger calibres were the natural progression from 16 inch weapons if a treaty limiting size was not engineered as it was. All major players were heading in that direction once the British developed the first 18 inch cannon. If they had been able to there would have been the extra turret. Like I said about the realistic size limitations of the Keil canal for Germany. As shown by the pursuit and sinking of the Schnorst, the German vessel while retreating was only able to fire 1/3 of her available main guns while running directly away. Basically successful hitting is a numbers game; Full salvo is a nine possible hits every time. One turret only equals three possible hits which effectively means the possibilities of NOT hitting the target area increases factor of 3:1.
The tactical advantage of one extra tube in a full salvo is equally negated by the loss of 1 tube ( from 4 to 3 ) in a tactical situation similar to that mentioned above . By and by the a German vessel capable of carrying 12 x 406mm guns are not capable as the Displacement required is too high for Canal and the restricted depth of the North Sea..
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