The fastest battleship ever built was the HMS Vanguard, the Royal Navy’s last battleship. It was commissioned in 1946 and had an impressive top speed of 28.4 knots (about 32.6 mph or 52.5 km/h), making it the fastest of any battleship in history.
Key Features of HMS Vanguard:
Commissioned: 1946
Length: 745 feet (227 meters)
Displacement: Around 45,000 tons
Top Speed: 28.4 knots (32.6 mph or 52.5 km/h)
Armament: The ship was armed with 15-inch (380 mm) guns, along with numerous smaller-caliber guns and anti-aircraft weapons.
HMS Vanguard was built with both speed and firepower in mind, reflecting the Royal Navy's desire to counter the increasing threat of fast, modern aircraft and other ships. It was powered by a steam turbine that allowed it to achieve its high speed, although it was somewhat slower than some of its contemporaries in terms of sheer firepower.
Fastest Speed Ever Achieved by a Battleship:
While 28.4 knots was the top speed for the HMS Vanguard, some battleships were capable of achieving slightly higher speeds under specific conditions, but they were often considered rare or non-representative of typical operating speeds.
One notable achievement was during WWII when some battleships, particularly in the U.S. Navy, reportedly reached higher speeds in certain situations. USS Washington (BB-56), for example, achieved speeds around 30 knots during high-speed maneuvers. However, these high speeds were typically not sustainable over long periods due to the demands placed on their engines and fuel.