Sperry/Ford Mark-6 Fire Control Computer (2022)
5 days ago
- #WWII
- #Electromechanical Computers
- #Military Technology
- World War II saw the development of impressive electromechanical fire control computers, notably the Navy's Mark I and Mark 1A, designed by the Ford Instrument Company.
- The article highlights a rare, complete WWII fire control computer, the Mark 6 mod 16, designed by Ford and manufactured by IBM, notable for its manual spring motor operation.
- Mysteries surrounding the Mark 6 include its association with the USS Arkansas and its use on various ships, despite being labeled for AA projectiles but seemingly designed for surface fire control.
- The device's internals, revealed after removing its case, show a mechanical multiplier and a spring-powered mechanism, with the insides remaining in pristine condition despite external wear.