User:Ziggle/Draft of TDC Notes

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Torpedo Mk 14 Characteristics
Torpedo Type Submarine Launched Torpedo
Physical Characteristics
Length 246 inches
Weight 3209 lbs
Diameter 21.0 inches
Propulsion System Steam Turbine
Guidance Air Gyro
Performance
Speed
31.1 knots (low speed)
46.3 knots (high speed)
Warhead Mk 16 Mod 6
Filling 643 lb HBX
Range 9000 yards (low speed)
4500 yards (high speed)


[edit] Position Keeper

While the submarine course and line of sight angle could be measured accurately, the target speed and course could not be measured directly and they were estimated from periscope observations. The target keeper provides a way for the fire control party to compare their estimates of current target course and speed with the position keeper's estimate based on previous estimates. Thus, through a process of observation,prediciton, and correction, the target parameter estimates were refined until the periscope readings and the position keeper's estimates agree, indicating the fire control parameters are correct.

[edit] See Also

  1. Masthead Height: Data used by submarine captains in conjunction with the periscope's telemeter to estimate target range.
  2. Analog Computing History: Nice survey article on the work of Ford and Newell, early pioneers in analog computing.
  3. WWI Torpedo Fire Control: First-rate simulation illustrating torpedo fire control methods used during WWI.
  4. Proportional Navigation: WWII lead computation is closely related to the principles of proportional navigation.
  5. US Torpedo History: Good description of operational use of the Mk 14, Mk 18, and Mk 23

[edit] References