I remember when Project ELF was being developed. The problem at the time was that because the transmissions had to be so low, it was difficult getting signals to satellites that were usefulness to be used with GPS.
For planes to hit their targets beneath the water, they (the planes) need the subs to give accurate coordinates for them to be able to score a hit. Pilots can drop a whole payload of bombs into and around their target, but without accurate coordinates, there would be no direct hit. With enemy subs below the water, it’s the job of the aircraft to give protection to the U.S. or ally sub by scoring the hit. Having more accurate radio waves to allow for more accurate GPS coordinates gives our aircraft a better opportunity to give greater protection to our subs.
Bottom line is that having a better line of communications with subs (below water) with planes (well above water) is vastly important. Having more accurate GPS readings is really what it’s all about. If I am flying an F-16, F-18 or whatever size plane, it really matters to have more direct communications. It’s kind of hard to explain, unless you understand how radio waves work with GPS and gives the Navigator or the RIO (Radio Intercept Operator) a direct line of communication, so the GPS gives us a direct line to the target.
I know that’s not a very good explanation, but the idea is that “now” having a better line of communication gives the subs better protection from above by not just being able to communicate, but also giving a better line to the target using GPS. This is really important now that the Navy is experimenting with using high-energy Lasers that will blast the enemy at the speed of light, so GPS is absolutely important. Can you imagine having subs using lasers? I think the Navy us also going to outfit their carriers with lasers.
Keep in mind, this is the kind of stuff we used to read in comic books and think, “No way will this ever happen.”
