Part 2/9:
The Mark 41 stable vertical is one of the eleven locations on the Battleship New Jersey from which the 16-inch guns can be fired. Situated in the forward plot, this device pairs with another similar unit in the aft plot. These stations are pivotal not only for targeting but also for adjusting to the dynamic conditions on the ocean.
Historically, ships have been inherently unstable as firing platforms due to the rocking and rolling motion caused by ocean swells. This movement creates significant challenges for achieving accurate firings. While the ship's fire control computer—specifically the Mark 8 range keeper—calculates the range to a target, rolling of the vessel can drastically alter the projectile’s path. A precise firing solution becomes moot when the ship is no longer level.