Is "locking on a target" really realistic?

breadcatcher101 · 10-05-08, 11:51 AM

I know several helpful threads and links have covered using the TDC. especially getting the target speed has been covered. But I find it hard to accept that the scope would just lock on and hold the centerline of the target while you gathered data. Am I wrong here?

Let's say you've spotted a target. You have a blank plotting table. You need to find it's heading, speed, and range. By taking 2 readings 3 minutes apart--longer is better--this will enable you to plot it's heading, ranges, and it's bearings. From these 2 different readings you can figure speed and heading. Once you have this you are ready to get a firing solution.

Unless I am missing something it is just hard to believe that the scope would have been capable of having the ability to stay on a target when you lock it. Today it is of course workable but in the 1940's??

10-05-08, 11:51 AM	#1
breadcatcher101 Captain Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 546 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Is "locking on a target" really realistic? I know several helpful threads and links have covered using the TDC. especially getting the target speed has been covered. But I find it hard to accept that the scope would just lock on and hold the centerline of the target while you gathered data. Am I wrong here? Let's say you've spotted a target. You have a blank plotting table. You need to find it's heading, speed, and range. By taking 2 readings 3 minutes apart--longer is better--this will enable you to plot it's heading, ranges, and it's bearings. From these 2 different readings you can figure speed and heading. Once you have this you are ready to get a firing solution. Unless I am missing something it is just hard to believe that the scope would have been capable of having the ability to stay on a target when you lock it. Today it is of course workable but in the 1940's??