Battleships were eliminated because of the emergence of new types of ** such as missiles, aircraft carriers, etc, which greatly reduced the firepower and defense capabilities of battleships, and at the same time changed the combat mode of the navy, further weakening the role of battleships in the war.
Here is a detailed description of the battleship being eliminated:
1. The evolution of battleships
Early developmentAt the end of the 19th century, the navies of various countries began to pay attention to the strengthening of firepower and armor, and the battleships at this time were characterized by large size, thick armor, and many guns, but also had the disadvantage of poor mobility.
World War I: The battleship became the main class of ships of the navy because of its powerful firepower and armor protection, which gave it an overwhelming advantage in naval battles. The battleship by this time was already able to reach speeds of more than 30 knots and could conduct ocean-going operations.
World War IIA.S.: Although battleships were still used, they were no longer the main force of the Navy. In the Pacific War and the European War, battleships served more as part of the fleet, providing fire support and anti-aircraft cover, rather than playing the role of flagships.
2. The impact of scientific and technological development on battleships
The appearance of missiles: The accuracy and power of the missile far surpass that of conventional naval guns. Both anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft missiles significantly reduced the firepower and defense capabilities of battleships. The popularity and upgrading of missiles seriously threatened the survivability of battleships in war.
The advent of aircraft carriers: The advent of aircraft carriers changed the way the Navy operates. Aircraft carriers can carry a large number of aircraft to carry out long-range strikes and reconnaissance against enemy fleets, and this mode of combat further weakens the role of traditional battleships in warfare.
Radar with electronic warfare: The development of radar and electronic warfare technology was also bad for battleships. These technologies allow the fleet to detect enemy fleets earlier and adopt preemptive tactics. Whereas, battleships were easy to detect and attack due to their large size.
American Iowa-class classic battleship.
3. The position of battleships in warfare
Transformation of the capital ship class: In World War II, although battleships were still used, they were no longer the main force of the Navy. The navies of various countries pay more attention to the use of new types such as aircraft carriers and submarines. The role of battleships in the war gradually shifted from the capital ship class to a secondary one.
Worker roles: After the end of World War II, the navies of various countries began to disarm in large quantities, and the battleship was gradually phased out as an obsolete ** system. Even in some countries, battleships are still used as auxiliary roles, such as patrolling, anti-piracy, etc., but their main combat role has been replaced.