Q&A · 2:58:03-2:58:44

Why World War II fire-control comparisons are difficult

Constant wartime evolution makes a single Pom-Pom-to-Bofors fire-control verdict misleading without fixing a date and installation.

Question

How did the Pom-Pom and Bofors fire-control systems compare?

Short answer

They evolved too continuously for one simple comparison; the answer depends on date, director, radar, and ship installation.

Notes

Fire-control systems evolved continually during World War II. New versions sometimes descended from earlier branches, so comparison requires following those relationships through time. A single fixed comparison between the gun families would conceal that development.