Torpedo Data Computer
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The Torpedo Data Computer was an early electromechanical analog computer used for torpedo fire control in American submarines during WWII. German U-boats used a similar torpedo fire control computer. The Japanese did not use any kind of automated calculating machines in their subs and consequently were at a serious disadvantage.
The TDC was designed to provide fire-control solutions for torpedo launches against enemy ships. It was most effective against surface vessels, and in rare cases also used to sink surfaced hostile submarines. The machine had a wide array of complicated dials and switches and required the operator to input navigation readings from his own boat, the corresponding data from an observed target, and the torpedo type and speed settings. The TDC performed the trigonometric calculations and reported the correct firing angles and torpedo gyro settings. The TDC also had a sophisticated scope that allowed the operator to get an accurate fix on the target's range, speed and heading.
The TDC was a rather bulky addition to the sub's conning tower and required two extra crew, one as an expert in its maintenance, and the other as its actual combat operator. Despite these costs, the use of the TDC dramatically boosted the kill rates for American subs during the war, most notably in the Pacific War where the technological disparity was more pronounced.