The Dutch navy observed as European nations as well as Japan design and build new battleships, and they felt left out. A commission was set up to figure out what was required. Initially the plan was for 9 ships, with 5 to serve in the East Indies with Japan as the principle threat, with the remaining 4 to operate in Europe. In the end the numbers was cut down to four ships for use in the East Indies. Several designs from Vickers, Armstrong, Blohm & Voss and Germaniawerft were supplied. The start of WW1 stopped any plans for such ships, and no design was chosen for construction.
Germaniawerft
Design 743
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/L97hKJA.png)
The preliminary design from Germaniawerft had 8x343mm (13,5 inches) guns in four twin turrets, with two fore/aft and two amidships en-echelon.
Design 753
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/k16gGXM.png)
753 was an improvement of the previous design, with the guns in superfiring pairs fore and aft.
Design 772
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/ZjIi1Pb.png)
772 used a shortened hull, and had the guns in quadrouple turrets
Design 806
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/Jrsp5mb.png)
806 was a completely new design, being more reminiscent of more modern German designs. The gun caliber was increased to 356mm (14 inches.)
This design is considered by most to be the most likely design to be chosen for construction.
Blohm & Voss Project 733C
![[ img ]](https://i.imgur.com/dlhGQLt.png)
I have a reliable source for the two designs from Armstrong (only differance is one or two funnels). I have seen sketches of the Vickers design, but I do dispute its authenticity, as it appears to have a 1890s era ram bow.
