The purpose of a submarine Periscope

What is the purpose of a submarine Periscope? Can't GPS be used instead?

Submarine

A submarine's periscope serves a crucial purpose in allowing the crew to observe the surrounding environment while the vessel remains submerged. It is a vital tool for navigation, target acquisition, and situational awareness. GPS, while providing valuable navigational information, cannot replicate the visual capabilities of a periscope.

The Role of the Periscope

Submarine's periscope

A periscope operates by reflecting light from the surface of the water through a series of mirrors or prisms, effectively extending the submarine's vision above the waterline. This allows the crew to observe the surrounding environment, including other vessels, land formations, and potential threats, without exposing the submarine to detection.

GPS Limitations in Submarine Operations

GPS, while widely used for navigation, has limitations in submarine operations. Submerged submarines cannot receive GPS signals, rendering the technology ineffective for underwater navigation. Additionally, GPS provides limited information about the immediate surroundings, making it unsuitable for target acquisition or situational awareness.

The Periscope's Advantages

The periscope offers several advantages over GPS for submarine operations:

Visual Information: The periscope provides real-time visual information about the surrounding environment, allowing the crew to assess situations and make informed decisions.

Target Acquisition: The periscope enables the crew to locate and track targets, such as other vessels or land formations, with greater precision than GPS.

Situational Awareness: The periscope enhances situational awareness by providing a broader view of the surroundings, allowing the crew to detect potential threats and obstacles.

Conclusion

While GPS plays a valuable role in navigation, it cannot replace the periscope's unique capabilities in submarine operations. The periscope's ability to provide real-time visual information, facilitate target acquisition, and enhance situational awareness makes it an indispensable tool for submarine crews.