Q&A · 1:43:54-1:44:25

Radar fire control changes the engagement

A chat question prompts a distinction between late-war radar fire control and later computing systems.

Question

How much difference would modern radar fire control make?

Short answer

It is a major advantage, though late-war radar fire control still relied on period computing rather than later systems.

Notes

Modern radar fire control is a major advantage, with an important historical qualification. Radar-directed fire was available by the end of the Second World War, while its computers still reflected the limits of that era. Period analogue computers were capable systems, though later equipment could exploit radar information more effectively. A ship's fighting power depends on what its sensors and calculation systems can do together.