The invention of proximity fuse technology in anti-air artillery shells was one of America's best kept secrets during World War II, and arguably one of the most impactful advantages of the United States. Explain what a proximity fuse is, why it was so desirable compared to existing techniques, and why it was so challenging to achieve.
user
A proximity fuze is a fuze that detonates an explosive device automatically when the distance to the target becomes smaller than a predetermined value. The VT fuse developed by the US has a miniature radio transmitter and receiver with an amplifier inside. The transmitter sent out a continuous radio signal that bounced back from the moving target, and the receiver detected the return signal, which increased in intensity the closer the shell approached its target. Once the signal level passed a certain threshold, it activated the thyratron trigger, releasing an electrical charge stored in a capacitor. That charge tripped an electrical detonator that in turn set off the main explosive.
Before its invention, it was estimated that it took as many as 20000 rounds to shoot down a plane according to the experiences of the UK at the start of The Blitz, and the lowest statistic is also up to around 1200. Meanwhile, the Empire of Japan began to apply kamikaze which was more accurate than conventional attacks. Therefore an increase in the accuracy of anti-aircraft weapons was quite necessary.
The fuzes for use with anti-aircraft artillery need to work under extreme conditions. The challenges include:
-To create an optical, magnetic or electronic feedback mechanism that signaled “detonate” to an artillery shell moving at an initial speed of 2,600 feet per second at the moment it neared an enemy aircraft traveling at 300 miles per hour.
-To fit a radarlike radio (transmitter and receiver) device into a 5-inch projectile only 20¾ inches long and already packed with 7 pounds of high explosive.
-To miniaturize such an electronic device to fit the volume of a pint milk bottle in an era when no one had imagined transistors or integrated circuits.
-To develop a battery of sufficient power and durability to operate the fuze and function in temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to minus 50 degrees.
-To develop a fuze able to withstand the impact of being fired from a 5-inch gun—a shock of acceleration equal to 20,000 times the force of gravity—as well as the spinning projectile’s centrifugal force of 500 revolutions per second.
-To incorporate safety features to enable safe handling and prevent accidental detonation.
-To craft a fuze adaptable for use in a range of U.S. and British weapons.
-To engineer a design for rapid, high-quality mass production—well into millions of units, with components sourced from a multitude of American factories.
assistant
You said prior to the invention of the proximity fuze, it took 1200-20000 rounds to down an aircraft. What are the statistics for anti-air accuracy after it was implemented?
user
The proximity fuze greatly increased the accuracy of anti-aircraft artillery and made it much more effective. After its implementation, it is estimated that it took an average of just 330 rounds to shoot down an aircraft, a massive improvement compared to the pre-fuze statistics of up to 20,000 rounds. The proximity fuze also had a significant impact on the outcome of the war, helping to defend against Axis air attacks and contributing to Allied victory.
assistant