Quarterly Report, Contract N5ori-06002, October through December 1950

Abstract

This report describes work performed during January, February, and March 1951 on Contract N5ori-06002, covering research in digital techniques in naval anti-aircraft fire control. Programming of the Mark 47 equations for digital solution was completed. Work on making firing table data available to the computer was completed; the two most practical methods of those considered are function generation by polynomials and function interpolation using magnetic drum storage. Study of prediction of target position (including criteria for switching from one prediction law to another according to tactical conditions) was continued. The Mark 25 radar system was studied to help in our consideration of input problems. Two small demonstration programs were started. The remaining time until the expiration of the contract on 30 June 1951 will be spent 1) completing work already started, 2) considering in an exploratory way some of the topics which cannot be thoroughly studied, and 3) preparing a final report.