Did the 88's have proxy fuses, or were they strictly altitude "set" fuses. Anyone???
from
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq96-1.htm+++++
"...
British scientists were working on proximity fuze devices for rockets and bombs at least as early as 1939.
Captured documents indicate that German work on proximity fuze development had begun in the early 1930's,
and was still in process when hostilities ended in the European Theatre.
In brief, there is nothing unique about the 'idea' of a proximity fuze. The possibility that proximity fuzes
of various types might be feasible has been recognized for a long time. The American achievement,
accomplished by no other country, was the actual development of a proximity fuze that would function
and that could be manufactured by mass-production techniques.
..."
The "VT" or Radio Proximity Fuze: Supplemental Basic Information Prepared by Applied Physics Laboratory,
the Johns Hopkins University. (Silver Springs MD: The Laboratory, 1945)
+++++
"...
test firing of proximity fuzed 5"/38 projectiles against drones was carried out in August 1942
aboard the cruiser USS Cleveland [CL-55]. Results of this test were entirely satisfactory and
accordingly, full-scale production of proximity fuzes was initiated at the Crosley Corporation
in September 1942. Early production was plagued with numerous difficulties but satisfactory
material was finally produced. This fuze, which was designated the Mk 32, was delivered to
the Fleet during November and December 1942, and the first Japanese plane was shot down
with proximity fuzed projectiles by the cruiser USS Helena [CL-50] in January 1943.
..."
Dilley, N. E.
"Development of Proximity Fuzes (VT) for Projectiles - VT Fuzes MKS 32 to 60, Inclusive (General Description)."
chapter 1 of
The World War II Proximity Fuze: A Compilation of Naval Ordnance Reports by
the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. (Silver Spring MD: The Laboratory, 1950)
