Torpedo Data Computer: Difference between revisions

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In 1932, the [[Bureau of Ordnance]] (BuOrd) initiated development of the TDC with [[Arma Corporation]] and [[Ford Instruments]].<ref name="Holwitt, p.147">Holwitt, p.147.</ref> This culminated in the "very complicated" Mark 1 in 1938.<ref name="Holwitt, p.147"/> This was retrofitted into older boats, beginning with {{USS|Dolphin|SS-169|2}} and up through the newest {{sclass|Salmon|submarine|5}}s.<ref name="Holwitt, p.147"/>
 
The first submarine designed to use the TDC was {{USS|Tambor|SS-198|2}},<ref name=Tambor>{{cite web | last = Mohl | first = Michael | title = Tambor (SS-198) | work website= NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive | year = 2006 | url = http://www.navsource.orgnet/archives/08/08198.htm | access-date = 2006-08-01 }}</ref> launched in 1940 with the Mark III, located in the [[conning tower]].<ref name="Holwitt, p.147"/> (This differed from earlier outfits.)<ref>Beach, Edward L., Jr. ''Dust on the Sea''.</ref> It proved to be the best torpedo fire control system of [[World War II]].<ref>Holwitt, p.147; {{harvnb|Friedman|1995|p=195}}.</ref><!--This appears to conflict with the Technical Mission assessment.-->
 
In 1943, the Torpedo Data Computer Mark IV was developed to support the [[Mark 18 torpedo|Mark 18]] torpedo.<ref name=Mk18>The Mark 18 was electric and therefore wakeless and difficult for surface forces to trace. On the downside, it was slower than the Mark 14. This made it more difficult to aim accurately because larger gyro angles were involved. Even so, thousands of them were fired during WWII.</ref><ref name=clearMk18>{{harvnb|O'Kane|1977|p=221}}</ref>
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===TDC functional description===
Since the TDC actually performed two separate functions, generating target position estimates and computing torpedo firing angles, the TDC actually consisted of two types of analog computers:
 
*Angle solver: This computer calculates the required gyro angle. The TDC had separate angle solvers for the forward and aft torpedo tubes.