Targeting computer

A targeting computer, sometimes called target computer, targeting synchronizer, or a fire-control system, was a device used aboard starfighters to aid pilots in targeting their weapons. A target was considered vulnerable when it was aligned with the electronic crosshairs of a targeting computer's gun-sights. During the Galactic Civil War, the targeting computers used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic indicated the distance in meters. Imperial targeting computers used aboard Imperial I-class Star Destroyers were made by LeGrange.

Targeting computers were necessary in a dogfight as all combat craft were equipped with some form of sensor jammer to avoid being hit. The more sophisticated the targeting computer, the quicker it could achieve a "target lock" on the enemy.

A targeting computer was also necessary in order to shoot down missiles, particularly very fast ones. Even with a targeting computer, some targets could be very difficult to hit: during the Great Hyperspace Disaster, Galactic Republic Longbeam cruisers had a one-in-three chance of hitting debris from the Legacy Run traveling at close to light speed.

Text and facts from the “Targeting computer” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.