During periods of reserve fleet maintenance, battleships underwent a range of upgrades to keep them viable for potential future conflicts. These upgrades varied depending on the era, technological advancements, and the strategic priorities of the navy maintaining the vessel. Below are the typical upgrades made to battleships during their time in reserve:
1. Fire Control and Targeting Systems
One of the most significant areas of focus during upgrades was the ship's fire control systems:
Radar Systems: Outdated radars were replaced or upgraded to improve target detection, tracking, and gunfire accuracy.
Fire Control Computers: Analog fire control computers, essential for calculating firing solutions, were updated for greater precision.
Night-Fighting Capabilities: Infrared or low-light optics were sometimes installed to enhance performance in low-visibility conditions.
2. Anti-Aircraft Weaponry
With the increasing threat from aircraft during and after World War II, battleships often received enhanced anti-aircraft defenses:
Upgraded AA Guns: Older 20mm and 40mm guns were replaced with more effective weapons, such as twin or quad 3-inch (76 mm) or 5-inch (127 mm) dual-purpose guns.
Improved Mountings: Electrically stabilized mounts improved tracking and targeting against fast-moving aircraft.
Missile Systems: In the post-World War II era, some battleships were equipped with surface-to-air missile systems, such as the RIM-8 Talos or RIM-24 Tartar, effectively modernizing them for new threats.
3. Structural Modifications
Battleships often required physical changes to accommodate new technology or improve survivability:
Reinforced Decks: Deck armor was sometimes reinforced to provide better protection against plunging fire or air-dropped bombs.
Enlarged Superstructures: Additional space was created for radar, communication equipment, or command facilities.
Reduced Main Armament: Some older secondary or tertiary batteries were removed to make room for modern systems or reduce crew requirements.
4. Propulsion System Maintenance
While major overhauls were rare during reserve periods, minor upgrades and maintenance to propulsion systems were common:
Boilers and Turbines: Older boilers were inspected, repaired, or replaced, and turbines were overhauled for efficiency.
Fuel Conversion: Some ships were converted from coal to oil, or oil to nuclear power, depending on the navy’s capabilities and strategic goals.
5. Communications and Electronic Warfare
Advancements in communication and electronic warfare were often retrofitted to reserve battleships:
Modern Radios: New radio systems with secure and long-range communication capabilities were installed.
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): ECM systems were added to jam or deceive enemy radar and communications.
Data Links: Integrated communication links allowed battleships to operate more effectively as part of a fleet.
6. Crew Accommodations
To prepare for reactivation, battleships often underwent modifications to improve living conditions:
Air Conditioning: Essential for operations in tropical climates.
Modernized Mess and Berthing Areas: Enhanced for crew comfort and efficiency.
Reduced Crew Requirements: Automation of certain systems reduced the number of sailors needed to operate the ship.
7. Weaponry Modernization
Beyond anti-aircraft systems, other weapons systems were modernized:
Main Guns: Older main batteries were refurbished, and ammunition types were updated for improved performance.
Missile Integration: In some cases, main gun turrets were removed to accommodate guided missile launchers, converting battleships into hybrid missile platforms.