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

 

[Jim Shooz]

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

snopes.com: 'The Whole Nine Yards' Etymology

 

[2LaneCruzer]

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.

You nailed it! And well stated too.

 

[k0ua]

Back to firearms:

In WWII the Japanese commonly fielded 3 handguns. One was the type 26 revolver, basically an antique from the turn of the century. The common and probably best of the three, the type 14 Nambu. And what was the other common one?
Note, it was as dangerous as it is ugly.

 

[boblibido]

The samurai sword gun?

 

[k0ua]

The samurai sword gun?

nope

 

[farmer2009]

Cowboys of the old west wear spurs. What was the name of the bell like accessories worn on the raul of the spur? What was there purpose?

 

[crash325]

What is the most unusual material for a ship to be made of????
Its not wood or metal.

I saw 1 sitting on the bottom of the bay in the Philippians. Big hole in the side of it.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Back to firearms:

In WWII the Japanese commonly fielded 3 handguns. One was the type 26 revolver, basically an antique from the turn of the century. The common and probably best of the three, the type 14 Nambu. And what was the other common one?
Note, it was as dangerous as it is ugly.

Don't recall the name, but I do recall reading about it years ago; you're right, it was ugly...and seems it had an exposed sear that would allow the gun to fire...without pulling the trigger...if pressure was applied.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

What is the most unusual material for a ship to be made of????
Its not wood or metal.

I saw 1 sitting on the bottom of the bay in the Philippians. Big hole in the side of it.

Ferro-cement is pretty unusual

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

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

I think k0ua already answered that correctly in post 751. Someone else thought that the flying bedstead was used to train pilots for the lunar lander. That was not correct. That vehicle was called the LLRV, and it was Neil Armstrong that crashed it.