August 28, 2022

Computer-aided targeting systems are paradigm shifts in combat lethality.

The B-29 gun sight uses an analogue computer which performs a load of calculations accounting for air density, air temperature, range, bullet drop, deflection, etc., to work out a firing solution. Thanks to this system, the effective range of the B-29s guns was 900 yards, exceeding the interceptors attacking them.

These sights were so effective that the B-29 was safe even without a fighter escort. Because of this targeting system, B-29s actually have a higher air-kill ratio than the P-51! To be fair, there are some ulterior reasons for this, such as B-29s entering the war after Japan's experienced pilot force was depleted.

I think it's fascinating how even such an early computer was such a complete game changer. Computers have made combat more deadly from the very beginning.

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Dave Aitel’s latest video paper review.

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Interesting EW? Hacking?

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