AMERICAN NAVY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21992, 16 January 1937, Page 13

AMERICAN NAVY

ARMAMENT OF NEW

BATTLESHIPS

MAY HAVE FOUR BIG GUNS TO EACH TURRET CONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE FOUR YEARS (UNITED I'UKSS ASSOCIATION' - COI'YKIOHT.) (Received January 15, 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 15. Mr C. A. Swanson (Secretary of the Navy) revealed at a press conference that the two new 35,000-ton battleships for the United States Navy will have a speed of 26 to 27 knots, and will carry three turrets with nine 16-inch or 12 14-incb duns. The fact tha't turrets can now hold four instead of three big guns is regarded as an indication that the navy has developed refinements in refrigeration and air conditioning to offset the heat generated by the operation of batteries of four guns, but officials maintained silence about the matter.

They said that, to furnish the speed of 30 knots which is indicated in the battleships being built by other powers would require the surrender of too much armour. The navy did not think that two or three knots would make r.s much difference as armour and guns. They declined to give details of the armour protection, beyond admitting that there was ample defence from aerial bombs.

The estimated cost for each ship is 50,000,000 dollars. It will take four years to build the ships, and the keels will be laid down on June 1.

Officials denied knowledge of a report that Great Britain might build a third battleship, and said that in any event the navy did not expect to ask Congress for another battleship. They announced that the six destroyers, three light cruisers, and three submarines now under construction would be launched within 12 months.