Torpedo Data Computer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:22, 29 November 2016

Revision as of 22:22, 29 November 2016

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|accessdate=2006-07-11}}</ref> These were often "woefully inaccurate",<ref>Holwitt, p. 147.</ref> which helps explain why torpedo spreads were advised.

During World War II, Germany,<ref>[http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/virtualtour/photo_tour/contower.html]</ref> Japan,<ref>[http://web.ukonline.co.uk/chalcraft/sm/attack.html Britain]</ref> and the United States each developed [[analog computer]]s to automate the process of computing the required torpedo course.<ref name=JapanTechnology>{{cite book | last = Jackson, USNR | first = Lt.(jg) J.G. | url=http://www.fischer-tropsch.org/primary_documents/gvt_reports/USNAVY/USNTMJ%20Reports/USNTMJ-200F-0086-0124%20Report%20O-32.pdf | title = Japanese Torpedo Fire Control | date = February 1946 | publisher = US Naval Technical Mission to Japan | id = Fascicle O-1, Target O-32 | format=PDF}}</ref>

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)|''Dolphin'']] and up through the newest [[Salmon class submarine|''Salmon'']]s.<ref name="Holwitt, p.147"/>