Proximity Fuse

The proximity fuze tube was manufactured by Sylvania, Emporium, PA during WWII. Sylvania Emporium was the only approved defense contractor for the proximity fuze tube. This was a self-oscillating sub-miniature tube that was fitted to anti-aircraft shells. It acted like a miniature radar system, firing when a reflection was detected. As the shell approached an enemy aircraft, the emitted signal has "bounced" off the aircraft creating a signal that triggered the shell to explode in close proximity to the aircraft. This greatly increased the kill ratio for the US, especially in the South Pacific theater. Its development was a highly classified secret, not even shared with the other Allies.