HMS Barfleur (BB-1918)
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The Barfleur class were the follow on from the excellent Queen Elizabeth class
ships. These three ships introduced the triple turret to the Royal Navy for
large calibre guns. The 15" gun was retained and a new triple turret designed
for them. The one thing that was taken into consideration was the lengthening
ranges at which battles were taking place. For this the elevation of the turrets
was increased to 40 degrees. Range increased from 29,000 yards to 36,500 yards.
More innovations raised the 6" casemate battery up one deck and made those guns
much more useful and less prone to wave damage. This was also made possible by
the introduction of the triple 15" turret. The barbette for the triple 15"
required a wider hull to fit the extra reinforcing to hold the barbette in
place. The extra width of hull gave extra stability, some of which was then
expended in raising the level of the casemate battery guns.
With the three ships completing in 1917-18 they never saw any action in WW1.
Completely refurbished before the start of WW2, the three ships formed the
nucleus of the Mediterranean Fleet during the early years of WW2.
Rebuilding of the Barfleur class followed earlier classes with new
superstructure, propulsion systems, armour, anti-torpedo bulges, aircraft
handling facilities, heavy and light AA weapons.
| Displacement | 30,000 tons standard, 34,600 tons full load | 32,200 tons standard, 36,850 tons full load |
| Length | 673 feet | 673 feet |
| Breadth | 95 feet | (107 feet over bulges) |
| Draught | 32 feet | 30 feet |
| Machinery | 4 shaft, steam turbines, 80,000shp | geared turbines, 4 shafts, 90,000shp |
| Speed | 25 knots | 26 knots |
| Armour | 13" belt, 2.5" deck, 13"/9"/5" turrets | 13" belt, 5.5" deck, 13"/9"/5" turrets |
| Armament |
As completed 9 x 15” (3x3) 12 x 6” (12x1) 4 x 4" AA (4x1) 4 x 2pd (4x1) |
As rebuilt to 1941 9 x 15” (3x3) 20 x 4.5” (10x2) 56 x 2pd (7x8) 36 x 20mm (36x1) |
| Aircraft | nil | 3 |
| Torpedoes | 4 x 21" submerged | nil |
| Complement | 1020 (1100 as flagship) | 1280 |
| Notes: |
HMS Barfleur 10/1917 HMS Trafalgar 01/1918 HMS Camperdown 04/1918 |
|
The 40 degree elevation helped the guns achieve a respectable 36,500 yard
range. Putting the bits that go bang together.
My original rebuild drawing. While it was ok, I forgot a few things and was
using old parts which did not enhance the drawing at all.
