Multi-turret battleships, especially during the World War I and World War II eras, were typically designed to focus their fire on a single target at a time. There were several reasons for this approach:
1. Fire Control Systems:
Battleships during this period had centralized fire control systems that were designed to aim all guns at a single target. These systems used various means to calculate range, speed, and angle to adjust the fire of all the turrets toward one enemy vessel.
These systems were more accurate when they focused on a single target, as it would allow the crew to calculate and adjust for various factors like distance, movement, and wind speed. Coordinating fire from multiple turrets on different targets would have complicated the system and reduced the accuracy.
2. Impact of Multiple Large-caliber Guns:
The large-caliber guns (typically 12-inch or larger) on battleships had enormous firepower and were designed to deliver concentrated, powerful shots to cripple or sink an enemy ship with a small number of hits. Focusing all the fire on one target maximized the chances of hitting it with several powerful rounds.
Distributing fire between multiple targets could mean that the fire would be spread thin, reducing the likelihood of scoring a decisive hit on any single ship.
3. Operational Considerations:
Speed and maneuvering: Battleships tended to engage other vessels at relatively close to medium ranges, and the relative speed and maneuvering of the ships often meant that turrets would have to be constantly adjusted to maintain an accurate firing solution. Firing at multiple targets would have required switching between firing solutions for each target, further complicating the process and reducing overall effectiveness.
Battle tactics: In naval engagements, battleships typically prioritized the most immediate or dangerous threat, such as the largest or most heavily armed enemy ship. Multiple turrets would focus on this one target to neutralize it quickly.
4. Exceptions for Anti-Aircraft or Smaller Targets:
In rare instances, battleships could engage multiple targets, but this was usually for secondary targets such as smaller ships, aircraft, or torpedo boats. The secondary turrets and smaller-caliber guns could be used to target these threats, while the main battery focused on larger, more formidable targets.
5. Firing From Different Turrets:
Although battleships usually concentrated their main armament on a single target, different turrets could fire at different times. For example, a battleship with multiple turrets might fire with one or two turrets in quick succession, then rotate to fire with another turret. However, even then, all the turrets would generally be aimed at the same target to maximize the chances of scoring a hit.