Under the skin of aviation technology and tactics
In all respects, Boeing’s Superfortress was a complicated beast — and its fire control system was no exception
Using the sight
1 Gunner turns target size knob, setting fighter’s wingspan
2 Range wheel is turned to keep fighter wingtips framed by reticle circle
3 Gunner only needs to keep centre dot on fighter, tracking it as it moves. The computer calculates deflection, which takes about 1-2 seconds. Thumbs pressed on the triggers fire the guns
How the computers helped gunners’ jobs
Computers use input from two sources
Navigator inputs Indicated air speed, pressure altitude and outside temperature
Gunner inputs Fighter wingspan, tracking to gauge fighter’s movement, range to fighter
Computers compensate for…
