Target Data Computer

The Target Data Computer was an early electromechanical computer employed in
American submarines during WWII. The Nazis used a similar machine to a
lesser extent. The Japanese did not use any kind of automated calculating
machines in their subs and consequently were at a serious disadvantage.

The TDC was designed to provide firecontrol solutions for torpedo launches
against enemy ships. It was most effective against surface vessels, but also
helped with hostile subs too. The machine had a wide array of complicated
dials and switches and required the operator to input navigation readings
from his own boat and the coresponding data from an observed target, and the
TDC would report the correct firing angles and velocity. The TDC also had a
sophisticated scope that allowed the operator to get an accurate fix on the
target's range, speed and heading.

The TDC was a rather bulky addition to the sub's conning tower and required
two extra crew, one as an expert in its maintenance, and the other as its
actual combat operator. Despite these costs, the use of the TDC dramatically
boosted the kill rates for American subs during the war, most notably in the
Pacific theatre where the technological disparity was more pronounced.

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