When did naval fire control systems begin using radar during World War II?
Radar integration into fire-control systems occurred early in World War II, enabling effective long-range operations in poor weather or darkness. The Third Battle of Savo Island in November 1942 demonstrated this effectiveness when USS Washington engaged Japanese battleship Kirishima at night.
Who developed the first plotting unit for naval fire control near Malta in 1900?
Arthur Pollen developed a plotting unit to capture target data after noting poor artillery accuracy near Malta in 1900. Lord Kelvin proposed using an analog computer to solve equations arising from relative motion between ships, and trials in 1905 and 1906 showed promise despite initial failures.
What was the hit rate achieved by USS Washington against Kirishima in November 1942?
The Third Battle of Savo Island in November 1942 resulted in a twelve percent hit rate when USS Washington fired seventy-five rounds at Japanese battleship Kirishima. Nine hits caused explosions that led to the scuttling of the enemy vessel, which was later discovered with its entire bow section missing in 1992.
Which bombsight represented the best-known United States device during World War II?
The Norden bombsight represented the best-known United States device during World War II. The B-29 marked the first centralized fire-control system implementation on a production aircraft, and Low Altitude Bombing System integration began by Vietnam War start dates for nuclear-capable aircraft.
When did the M-9/SCR-584 Anti-Aircraft System begin directing air defense artillery?
The radar-based M-9/SCR-584 Anti-Aircraft System directed air defense artillery since 1943. MIT Radiation Lab's SCR-584 became the first radar system with automatic following capabilities, and Bell Laboratory's M-9 electronic analog fire-control computer replaced complicated mechanical computers like Sperry M-7 or British Kerrison predictors.