 After debate at the design board about whether the Montana class should be fast, achieving the high 33 kn (38 mph; 61 km / h) speed of the Iowa class, or up-gunned and up-armored, firepower was selected over speed. By returning the Montana class to the slower 28 kn (32 mph; 52 km / h) maximum speed of the North Carolina- and South Dakota- class ships, naval architects were able to increase armor protection for the Montanas, enabling the ships to withstand enemy fire equivalent to their own guns'ammunition. This limited the Montanas' ability to escort and defend the Pacific-based Allied aircraft carrier fleet, as the class was to be powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers which would have enabled them to steam at approximately 27 to 28 kn (31 to 32 mph; 50 to 52 km / h).
