Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Iron Budokan
How much difference is there between the American TDC and the German one? Any similarities? Was there ever a study done as to which computer system was more accurate? Maybe that's hard to determine since there's a lot of human error involved: putting in the speed, AOB, etc....
I was just wondering about the mechanics of each system....any one know? Thanks!  |
There is a LOT of difference between the two. But it mainly comes to the Position Keeper, which no other nation had.
This made it possible for t
he US submarine TDC to continuously provide the gyro angle order that will send the torpedo to the target if it is fired at this moment. If the tactical situation will allow the torpedo to reach the target, then a "Correct Solution" indicator is lit. If the light is not lit it means that, even though the gyro angle order is correct, the torpedo won't reach the target (or won't have time to arm). The decision as to when to actually fire is up to the captain, who makes the decision based on a number of factors, including optimum range and/or intercept angle, and things like how to handle multiple targets or how to better avoid escorts
Futhermore, the Position Keeper was fed with data from Radar, Sonar and Periscope. It basically is a computer which continuously calculates where the Target is with respect from the submarine. Thus the submarine only had to make regular checks if the target 'behaved' as set in the TDC. If not, a correction could be entered, at which the complete solution was adjusted. Even with no periscope, or radar sticking out of the water the torpedo could be fired with great accuracy.
Check here:
http://www.usscod.org/tdc-restore.html This the TDC from USS Cod.The only Mark 4 in the world that is actually working! At the bottom you'll find a schematic of the TDC.
Another document about Japanese (somewhat the same idea as the German TFC) Torpedo Fire Control:
http://www.fischer-tropsch.org/prima...ort%20O-32.pdf
groetjes,