2 ms·
How did they do this without transistors? The only thing I can find is this diagram here which looks like a small box: http://www.twinbeech.com/images/TURRETS/c
by pippy 11y ago
How did they do this without transistors? The only thing I can find is this diagram here which looks like a small box: http://www.twinbeech.com/images/TURRETS/cfc/CFC%20computer197web.JPG http://www.twinbeech.com/images/TURRETS/cfc/CFC%20computer19... which is smaller than a vacuum tube. I'd assume you'd need vector calculus to calculate the path of a bullet?
- monknomo 11y agoThe first thing to keep in mind is that these are not general purpose machines. They only do one thing, which is estimate the trajectory of a particular type of bullet, given several inputs. This lets the designer do a lot of precalculation, so they might use a series of cams that approximate known curves or differentials some known ratio. Useful google terms are things like "mechanical fire control computer" or "mechanical tide predictor". Check out "Old Brass Brains" it might give you an idea of how to approach this kind of problem mechanically; or at least how sophisticated a mechanical approach can be.