In WWII submarines, what does it mean to be the operator of the "TDC"?

Question

In "Run Silent, Run Deep" the book

Answer 1

I've not read the book in years, but i think this is a reference to the control room, I think the "T" stands for Tactical" but it's been a long time   The "C" is Control or Center. it's the D I'm fuzzy on.  Maybe "Dive"  or "Direction"  I'll check up on this , but there's not many WWII submariners left.   There's something that makes me want to think it has something to do with sonar, which wasn't called that early in the war.  I'll get back to you.  Good luck!   OK Torpedo Direction Center.  The guy that pushes the firing button.. Sorry it took me a minute, I'm old!

Answer 2

The T.D.C. is the Torpedo Director Control. This is a analog fire control computer and was the most advanced of it's kind during WW2.

Answer 3

Nicholas, the Torpedo Data Control was operated by one of the officers in the control room. All of the inputs, angle on the bow, heading, speed and distance were input by cranking the info into the machine, which calculated the data necessary for aiming torpedoes.

When you finish with Ned Beach's books, I suggest that you read Richard O'Kane's book "Clear the Bridge" which is about the USS Tang.

Regards,

Dan  

Answer 4

Torpedo Data Control = TDC on board World War II submarines.