T&T: Loran vs Chinese

[Doug Gould]

>Maybe we could take a break for a couple days from
>debating the merits, if
>any, of West Marine and debate the merits, if any,
>of LORAN? Just a suggestion.

Nice segue Gary. I don't support the continued
spending of money on Loran. I don't see it as a real
back up to GPS for the following: the limited range
means it would only act as a backup to users close to
the continental US, which doesn't help the military or
commercial aviation. If someone was planning to attack
our ability to navigate, it would certainly be easier
to blow up a few loran stations than send a rocket all
the way into space, so any good plan would include
both tactics. Also, a GPS receiver can get a fix from
as few as 5 or 6 satellites, so an enemy would really
have to kill a bunch of those to create any meaningful
havoc.

As to a backup for coastal marine navigation, we still
have RDF units and plenty of commercial radio
stations. Virtually no cost to the taxpayer, and very
low investment for the mariner.

I think that Loran is technically obsolete, just like
SatNav or Omega. In light of the budgetary problems in
Washington, I say let it go and spend the money on
dredging the ICW.

Doug