Proximity fuze

Proximity fuze MK53 removed from shell, circa 1950s

A proximity fuze (also VT fuze[1][2][3] or "variable time fuze") is a fuze that detonates an explosive device automatically when it approaches within a certain distance of its target. Proximity fuzes are designed for elusive military targets such as aircraft and missiles, as well as ships at sea and ground forces. This sophisticated trigger mechanism may increase lethality by 5 to 10 times compared to the common contact fuze or timed fuze.[4][5]

  1. ^ "Hopkins Engineer Dies". The Washington Post. 25 June 1982. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  2. ^ Sullivan, Walter (8 February 1984). "Allen V. Astin Is Dead at 79; Headed Bureau of Standards". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  3. ^ Birch, Douglas (11 January 1993). "'The secret weapon of World War II' Hopkins developed proximity fuse". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  4. ^ Hinman, Wilbur S (1957). "Portrait of Harry Diamond". Proceedings of the IRE. 45 (4): 443. doi:10.1109/JRPROC.1957.278430.
  5. ^ Museum of Our Industrial Heritage (15 October 2012). The Proximity Fuse - Secret Weapon of World War 2. Retrieved 24 June 2024 – via YouTube.