The QE's were developed at a time where it is likely to early to adopt geared turbines, however small tube oil fired boilers are probably on the cards, and would provide equivalent power compared to the RL boilers, but with significant space and weight savings. I dont know if the RN would be interested in increasing the speed of the ship up to 27 knots, the designers were aiming for 25 knots already as I believe. However the designers may alter the ships hull during the design process to allow higher speeds in future refits if they deemed it necessary. The real question is what you are going to do with the weight and space you save by using small tube boilers? More armor? better crew quarters? More magazine space? A swimming pool for the captain?
We all know I am now lobbying for a swimming pool on this alternate QE.
We all know I am now lobbying for a swimming pool on this alternate QE.