Algodoo

This is a demonstration of how the mechanical fire control computers of the Second World War worked. The real thing was much more complex, accounting for trajectory of the projectile, windage, and even the coriolis effect from the rotation of the earth as well as other variables. This is a simplified version that accounts for the velocities and headings of both the firing vessel and the target and assumes a projectile moving at a constant velocity and in a straight line. Push PLAY and the ships will travel along their set course. Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to aim you gun at the other ship (the green laser indicates where your sight is pointed). Press ENTER to fire your gun and watch as the projectile leaves at the appropriate angle to hit the target no matter where on the course the ships are! There are in-scene text boxes to eplain how everything works for those interested.If you would like to change the speed and heading parameters: “A” and “Q” Change YOUR ship’s speed input“S” and “W” Change TARGET ship’s speed input“E” and “R” Change YOUR ship’s heading input“D” and “F” Change TARGET ship’s heading inputAs long as the speed and heading inputs in the computer match the ships actual speed and heading, the projectile will always hit the target.