The main-battery plotting room is located opposite the secondary-battery plotting room. Its position below the waterline and beneath the armored deck ensures maximum protection from enemy action. The arrangement and location of equipment differs somewhat among ships; Figure 20E1 shows a typical installation, while Figure 20E2 shows the main-battery switchboard.
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In the foreground is the Mark 48 Shore Bombardment Computer (OP-2074).
The Stable Element furnishes level and cross-level to the Mark 48 Shore Bombardment Computer. It should be at the end of the Mk 48 computer but was probably removed before the ship was turned over to the Battleship Association. (OP-1063) The Stable Vertical provides level and cross-level to the Mark 8 Rangekeeper. See Figure 19G8 below for a view of the Stable Vertical.
Figure 20E2 shows a Dead Reckoning Tracer. This was used to aid in shore bombardment but was replaced by the Mk 48 computer, which has a dead reckoning tracer built in. The switchboard contains the rotary switches connecting the guns to the computers and gun directors, along with the I.C. switchboard for sound-powered phones and numerous fuse panels.
Beyond the Mark 48 computer is the Mark 8 Rangekeeper.
Figure 19G8: View of the Stable Vertical.
To the right of the Mark 48 Computer is the console of the Mark 13 Radar. The tall box beside the console is the power supply for the Mark 13 Radar.
Here is an overview of the fire control system:
For additional information, see Naval Ordnance and Gunnery — Main Battery Systems.