Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:30:36-2:31:55

Early transistors and proximity-fuzed pom-poms

Earlier transistors could make variable-time fuzes small enough for 40-mm ammunition if wartime metallurgy also supported mass production.

Anti-Aircraft WarfarePom Pom GunsProximity FuzesRoyal NavyTransistors
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Question

Could early transistors make VT fuzes practical for 40-mm pom-pom ammunition?

Short answer

Yes, provided wartime metallurgy and production could manufacture enough reliable miniature components.

Notes

The follow-up moves from radar and fire control to the ammunition itself. Transistors could help fit proximity or variable-time fuzing into a 40-mm pom-pom projectile. The limiting condition is whether contemporary metallurgy and manufacturing can produce enough reliable components at that scale. British close-range anti-aircraft fire would gain a much more effective detonation mechanism as well as a better predictor.