TRIVA FUN

[k0ua]

These old Gato and Balao class subs of WWII were more sophisticated than many would believe. As an example while the "fish" were in the torpedo tubes their gyro compass were constantly being updated from another device located in another part of the submarine. This was to constantly adjust the firing solution as the sub and the target moved. What was this device called and where was it located?

Keep in mind these torpedoes unlike old WW1 torpedoes did not have to be "aimed" by pointing the submarines torpedo tubes at the intended targets path.

What I was looking for here was the TDC located in the conning tower.. The Torpedo Data Computer. A pretty interesting device, you can read about it below if you like.

Submarine Torpedo Data Computer

You can read about techniques here:

Submarine Periscopes and Approach Techniques

 

[houstonscott]

That is an easy one... The Focke Wulf fw190

Well know and recognized by military and aviation historians as the best propeller driven aircraft of WWII. HS

 

[kevin37b]

Where did ( Balls to the walls ) come from ? How about the ( whole 9 yards ) ?

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Where did ( Balls to the walls ) come from ? How about the ( whole 9 yards ) ?

I think "Balls to the wall" came from the way the governors worked on the old steam engines...they were balls that expanded out via centrifugal force as speed increased. The "Whole 9 yards" refers to the ammo loaded onto fighter planes. They came in belts that were 9 yards long; when all of the ammo was expended, you gave them the "Whole 9 Yards".

 

[2LaneCruzer]

During WWII, an American manufacture built a twin radial-engine aircraft with the "A" designation, for "Attack". These aircraft were used long after WWII and were used extensively in Vietnam. They were completely rebuilt and redesignated "B" in Vietnam. The "B" numerical designation replaced another aircraft of the same "B" designation. What were these two aircraft and who manufactured them?

 

[crash325]

During WWII, an American manufacture built a twin radial-engine aircraft with the "A" designation, for "Attack". These aircraft were used long after WWII and were used extensively in Vietnam. They were completely rebuilt and redesignated "B" in Vietnam. The "B" numerical designation replaced another aircraft of the same "B" designation. What were these two aircraft and who manufactured them?

MY best guess = C-47 - DC-3 ????

There are 4 controls on an aircraft. Engine, ailerons, rudder & elevator. What controls the speed of the plane.


Anyone going to guess on the flying bedstead ???? It was some time in the 1930's ???//

 

[houstonscott]

Where did ( Balls to the walls ) come from ? How about the ( whole 9 yards ) ?

Balls to the wall is a steam engine term. HS

 

[RSKY]

The Douglas A-26 Invader was one of the best attack aircraft of WWII. It's designation was later changed to B-26 sometime in the fifties. The original B-26 was the Marauder built by Martin Aircraft. The Martin plane was also called the Widow Maker because several pilots were killed in training. In combat in proved to be a successful design. But was taken out of service in the late forties. The A-26 (later the second B-26) was a later design, faster, more heavily armed, and carrying a heavier bombload.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Where did ( Balls to the walls ) come from ? How about the ( whole 9 yards ) ?

The whole nine yards doesn't have a firm answer. Some :like the nine yards of machine gun belt in WW1 planes have been debunked and it was used before a load of concrete came in a nine yard truck. I like the concrete truck answer as anyone that has wheeled out a full load of concrete in a wheel barrow and then had to finish it before it set knows that the "Whole" nine yards is a long LONG day.

 

[Jim Shooz]

I know it's cheating but........

snopes.com: 'The Whole Nine Yards' Etymology