Nelson Class 1922 Estimates (2 Ships)
- Part Four
Lion Class Laid - Not Built (4 Ships)
- Part Four
HMS Nelson and HMS Rodney were originally to have been much bigger ships, of 48,000 tons, but their design was drastically modified to meet the tonnage restrictions imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty. This accounts for their unusual appearance, with all the big guns mounted forward.
Specifications:
Displacement. HMS Nelson 33,500 tons, HMS Rodney 33,900 tons.
Dimensions. 710 feet x 106 feet x 30 feet.
Complement. 1314.
Armament. Nine 16-inch guns in three triple turrets; twelve 6-inch; six 4.7-inch A.A.; three multiple pompoms; twenty-one smaller guns. Two 24.5 submerged torpedo tubes.
Aircraft. 2 in HMS Rodney, 1 in HMS Nelson at one time.
Machinery. 45,000 SHP steam turbines. Eight boilers. Oil fuel 4,000 tons.
Protection. Main belt extending from 100 feet short of the bow to within about 70 feet of the stern is 14 inches; barbettes 15 inches; turrets 16 inches maximum; deck 6-1/4 inches.