The Navy Electronics Program and Some of Its Past, Present, and Future Problems

The decisive factor in determining the outcome of the present world conflict may well be the wide and intelligent use of the latest products in the field of electronics. Certainly when it is possible to tell the whole story of the effectiveness in combat of many new electronic devices, all those who have made significant contributions in this field will have reason to be proud of the part they have played. This paper emphasizes the significant part played by the men and women of science and industry who have assisted our country in maintaining the lead which the United Nations now hold in electronic equipment used by the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps in modern warfare. Comparisons are presented which indicate the amount of money appropriated for electronic research and development in the Navy prior to the war, with the amounts being currently expended for the same purpose. The paper presents in its broad outlines the author's ideas of what he considers to be a forward-looking research and development program of adequate scope. The magnitude of the production and installation problem which has faced the Navy in equipping its vast fleet and air arm is reviewed, with a brief description of the organization required to accomplish the program. Some of the unusual climatic and atmospheric conditions which must be met by electronic equipment in service are outlined to give emphasis to the need for high performance standards in specifications.