TABLE OF CONTENTS Almost every military asset, from large fixed installations to an individual aircraft, vehicle, or small unit must transmit signals of one kind or another in order to perform its mission. Although the asset may not be seen at night, in the presence of fog or smoke, when camouflaged, or when beyond line of sight; the location of its transmitters correspond to its physical location. Analysis of the signals transmitted from that location can usually identify the type of asset (weapon, military unit, aircraft, ship). Location and identification of the asset support the following military activities:
Warning of imminent attack. By locating a hostile weapon platform (aircraft, ship, artillery unit) that is within engagement range, you can determine what kind of attack will likely take place, and the direction from which the weapon will approach us.
Threat avoidance. If you know where the threat systems associated with the transmitters are located, you can avoid those areas or at least go into those areas forewarned.
Selection and implementation of electronic countermeasures. The location and identification of a threat will determine the types of countermeasures that will be effective and when they should be initiated.
Development of electronic order of battle. Since different types of units have different types of transmitters (with different frequencies and modulations) the emitters can, to some degree of accuracy, identify the types of enemy units. By knowing the location and identification of enemy units and their recent movement history, it is possible to...
