That UCLA differential analyzer from 1947 was the peak of that technology. Earlier ones in the US go back to 1928. Wikipedia says UCLA had three of those. Probably for the Southern California aircraft industry.
That was near the end of the line for the pure mechanical analog computers. Even the gun and missile guidance systems had electrical inputs and outputs. 1947 was late to be building that, but it was a mature technology and worked, although, as shown, a huge pain to reprogram. Mechanical fire control systems had one built-in problem to solve, so they didn't have to be set up as a parts kit like this.
+1 for the narrator using the traditional "Los-an-guh-lus" pronunciation instead of today's "Los-an-ju-less," popularized by The Brady Bunch and other 70's television programs.
I prefer "Los-an-ju-leez," as that was a common style among radio announcers. But all three are officially correct, according to an LA Times article I read years ago.
That UCLA differential analyzer from 1947 was the peak of that technology. Earlier ones in the US go back to 1928. Wikipedia says UCLA had three of those. Probably for the Southern California aircraft industry.
That was near the end of the line for the pure mechanical analog computers. Even the gun and missile guidance systems had electrical inputs and outputs. 1947 was late to be building that, but it was a mature technology and worked, although, as shown, a huge pain to reprogram. Mechanical fire control systems had one built-in problem to solve, so they didn't have to be set up as a parts kit like this.