Design
| Element | Dunkerque | Strasbourg |
|---|---|---|
| Hull | 7,011 t | 7,040 t |
| Fittings | 2,767 t | 2,809 t |
| Artillery | 4,858 t | 4,858 t |
| Artillery Protection | 2,676 t | 2,885 t |
| Hull Protection | 8,364 t | 8,904 t |
| Propulsion Plant | 2,214 t | 2,214 t |
| Fuel (¾ of full load) | 2,860 t | 2,860 t |
| Total | 30,750 t | 31,570 t |
Dunkerque was an innovative design, notable for concentrating the main armament of eight 330mm/50 Modèle 1931 guns forward. As built, Dunkerque had a standard displacement of 26,500 t, a 215 m length, a 31 m beam, and a 8.5 m draught. Her propulsion machinery developed 107,000 shp, allowing a speed of 29.5 knots, with the armor belt at a maximum thickness of 241 mm (9¾-inches). Strasbourg was the same except for heavier vertical armor, with a displacement of 27,320 t, and 0.15 m more draught.
Dunkerque bore distinct similarities to the battlecruiser HMS Tiger, which was discarded in February 1932 due to the London Naval Treaty. This explains why Henri Le Masson considered the Dunkerque ships as being closer to battlecruisers than to battleships. The 28,500 long tons (29,000 t) British battlecruiser had eight 13.5-inch (343 mm) Mk V guns, a 660 ft (201.2 m) length, a 90 ft 6 in (27.6 m) beam, a 32 ft 5 in (9.9 m) draught, and 108,000 shp for 29 knots. Dunkerque differed mainly by having an all-forward main artillery arrangement (which saved 27% on turret armor), and a more modern propulsion plant. This allowed the French ship to have 10 cm more armor (330 mm versus 229 mm) on its turret faces, and to sport horizontal armored decks.
Similarities could also be seen when compared to the British Nelson-class battleships. Both classes saved weight by locating the machinery further aft to cut shaft length, and used inclined armor belts to increase their effective thickness. Both classes concentrated the secondary battery astern for superior firing arcs, and placed the main fire control atop the bridge structure. However, the two designs reflected different objectives. The Nelsons prioritized firepower and protection over speed, with the Dunkerques being the opposite. Dunkerque reflected the evolution of French design, demonstrated elsewhere by the changes from the Suffren-class cruisers to the cruiser Algérie.
Read more about this topic: Dunkerque Class Battleship
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