Ken Shirriff @righto.com · Apr 18

In the 1960s, the B-52 bomber could navigate by the stars. Celestial navigation requires spherical trigonometry, so an analog Angle Computer solved these equations electromechanically. Let's look inside...

138 likes 4 replies

?

Replies

the other Reverend Dave · Apr 18

AMAZING what old fashioned Analog could accomplish ! From my collection

Ken Shirriff · Apr 18

The "Astro Tracker" was the heart of the celestial navigation system. The 4-inch clear bubble stuck out from the top of the aircraft to view the stars. Inside, a telescope and photomultiplier tube tracked a star, steered by motors and prisms.

@studiotan.bsky.social · Apr 18

Fascinating ! Amazing device