Differences between Howe/Anson and the first KGVs

[alecsandros]

Hello,

I read once that the last 2 KGVs were better built than the first.
Does anyone know what the "better building" means ?

Thanks,
Alex

[Bgile]

There were modifications made as a result of the loss of PoW and Hood and other wartime experience, as well as new ideas. I believe splinter protection was added to the magazines, among other things.

[RF]

I suppose the difficulty in evaluation lies with the latter two ships of the class never engaging enemy battleships - unlike each of the first three.

[alecsandros]

I'm refering to building elements... Did they have stronger machinery output ? Longer range ?
Stuff like that.

[dunmunro]

I'm refering to building elements... Did they have stronger machinery output ? Longer range ?
Stuff like that.

Machinery output was identical, but damage resistance increased by more steam driven boiler fans in the last two ships. All surviving ships were modified to carry about 4000 tons of FO by ~1943, while Anson was modified to carry 4200 tons. Late in the war several of the ships received modified boiler sprayers, which increased efficiency with the poor quality FO available at that stage of the war.

[alecsandros]

Thank you Duncan.

I once read some posts in Bismarck-class.de/forum, where the last 2 ships of the class were credited with 30kts speed and much better salvo dispersions. No other comments were done there. DO you know about modifications to the turrets/guns/shells for Anson/HOwe ?

[dunmunro]

Thank you Duncan.

I once read some posts in Bismarck-class.de/forum, where the last 2 ships of the class were credited with 30kts speed and much better salvo dispersions. No other comments were done there. DO you know about modifications to the turrets/guns/shells for Anson/HOwe ?

We know that PoW achieved 134000 SHP prior to DS, and at very low displacements, say ~40K tons, 30knots was theoretically possible for any of the KGV class, but AFAIK, and I have looked at this as best I can, the machinery output was the nominally the same for all 5 ships. Again, AFAIK the guns and FC circuits were identical amongst all 5 ships. They actually had a reputation for good gunnery and consistent shooting as did all the modern and modernized RN BBs. The Baron quotes Schneider's comments that "enemy's salvos were well grouped", as they had to be to score a hit with each straddle.

[dunmunro]

One major change that I forgot to mention was that late in the war Anson was refitted with RPC for her 5.25in guns plus she Type275 radar and HACS MkVI. KGV and PoW had HACS MkIV GB upon completion, while the last 3 had HACS MkV upon completion.

[alecsandros]

What does HACS MkVI mean ?

[Gary]

Improvements were made to the ventilation system I believe after the heat conditions endured in the far east by PoW's crew
Obviously AA firepower would have been increased.
Alot of the improvemnets made to this class of ship are because of what happened to PoW.
I always thought that PoW was the fastest at 29 knots?.

[dunmunro]

What does HACS MkVI mean ?

High Angle Control System, Mark 6:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HACS

[dunmunro]

I always thought that PoW was the fastest at 29 knots?.

They were all nominally the same speed since they had identical machinery, although DoY was fastest on trials.

[alecsandros]

Thanks Duncan,

A question poped my head yesterday: how did AA tests evolved during the war ? Did the more modern battleships (Iowa's, Vanguard, new KGV's, etc) test their AA guns against "waves" of incoming aircraft during tests ?

Cheers,
Alex

[Karl Heidenreich]

Duncan,

So, there were not significant modifications from the latter KGV Class vessels in comparison to the early ones, KGV properly and PoW?

After PoW's sinking at Malaya, there were not required modifications on the rest of the KGV fleet? This is very interesting indeed.

Regards,

[RF]

After PoW's sinking at Malaya, there were not required modifications on the rest of the KGV fleet? This is very interesting indeed.

Regards,

This is a very good question.