Development of a Trailing-Wire E-Field Submarine Antenna for Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Reception

This paper presents a brief review of the submarine trailing-wire receiving antenna developments during the past 15 years that pertained to the Sanguine project. Based on this history and the specific Sanguine work, a rationale is developed for the present trailing-wire receiving antenna system. Design details, construction techniques, and testing methods are also discussed. Engineering development models have been tested extensively during numerous sea trials; laboratory accelerated life testing has been accomplished, and long-term reliability testing is continuing. Questions concerning the impedance theory of the submerged bare conductor as an electrode (or antenna/transmission line) element remain, and the electrochemist should definitely be the partner of the electrical engineer in the quest for more precise solutions.