Mark 8 Fire Control Computer

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The Mark 8 Fire Control Computer was developed by <a href="/facts/Bell_Laboratories/fKP5Gk0H">Bell Laboratories</a> during <a href="/facts/World_War_II/2efV5L1U">World War II</a>. It was initially requested by the USN <a href="/facts/Bureau_of_Ordnance/uj03ovxt">Bureau of Ordnance</a> as an alternative to the Ford Instruments <a href="/facts/Mark_I_Fire_Control_Computer/B7s7BHyM">Mark I Fire Control Computer</a>, in case supplies of the Mk I were interrupted or were unable to be manufactured in the required numbers. The Mk 8 computer used all electric methods of computation, in contrast to the Mk 1, which performed most computations via mechanical devices. The Mk 8 was found to be more accurate than the Mk 1 and substantially faster in reaching a fire control solution, but by the time it was developed and tested in 1944, supplies of the Mk 1 were found to be sufficient in quantity. The USN extensively tested the Mk 8 and may have incorporated some of its technology into the post war <a href="/facts/Gun_Fire_Control_Systems/EoEXnatA">Ford Instruments Mk1A computer</a>. The Mk 8 technology was similar to that used in the M9 <a href="/facts/Gun_data_computer/hsGHH6E8">gun data computer</a> used by the US Army for coast defence fire control and in the <a href="/facts/SCR-584_radar/dSltypTF">SCR-584 radar</a> system computer.
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Mark 8 Fire Control Computer open-in-new

Mark 8 Fire Control Computer