The carrier-borne E-1 Tracer put its radar high enough to extend the horizon beyond the limits facing a submarine close to the surface. Its first flight in December 1956 came less than seven months after Triton was laid down, so airborne early warning was overtaking the radar-picket submarine before she entered service. A carrier could support the aircraft without needing a separate SSRN for that task. Submarine electronic-intelligence work survived: modern masts collect transmissions, and a boat close to an opponent's coast can monitor air-control frequencies during an air-power demonstration.
Notable Point · 56:07-1:05:57
Airborne early warning overtakes the radar-picket submarine
The E-1 Tracer's altitude undermined Triton's radar-picket mission, while covert collection of electronic transmissions remained useful submarine work.