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1950s Bendix Central Air Data Computer used in fighter planes (oldbytes.space)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Fighter planes in the 1950s used the Bendix Central Air Data Computer to determine air speed, mach number, altitude and so forth from pressure. It is electromechanical, using gears and synchros for its computations. Amazingly, it is modular and can be easily disassembled.

We separated the top layer from the rest for testing. The "interface" between the layers is two gears and an electrical connection. The electronic servo amplifier blocks come off too.

(3 photos in link)

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[–] claytempleton 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Reminds me of the trash can Mac Pro

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

hahahah yes! Or R2D2 taking a nap!