a. Attemptto extend the detection range of the buoys to increase search rates. The follow- ing methods are suggested: (1) Increase the height of the antenna mastto raise the radar reflector and thereby increase radar detection range. (2) Utilize a reflector more responsive to the AN/APS-20 aircraft radar. (3) Utilize a blinking light on the buoy, set to turn on at commencementof search operations. (4) Utilize a radio or radar beacon, set to be activated at commencementof search operations, on the first buoy to be recovered. (5) Secure the sea anchor abovethe float rather than to the bail of the buoy to counter- act the tilting moment exerted on the buoy by the wind and makethe buoy drift with the antenna mast erect. b. Utilize high-speed ships (15 to 20 knots) for both laying and recovery to minimize recovery time and increase certainty of recovery. c. Utilize more than one ship for recovery, commencing searches at different parts of the buoyline. d. Either station each recovery ship close enough to a buoy to observe it during its drifting time or have the ship drop and track a spare buoy if practicable during the waiting period prior to commencement of recovery operations. 5. Enclosure (2) shows the plot of buoys recovered, based on a constant set and drift for each buoy during its drifting time. It should be noted that certain buoy tracks appear to have “crossed” in the open sea. The fallacy ascribing constant set and drift to each buoy is thus highlighted. The red dashed lines on the chart show how the buoy drift could have been along stream lines in each case and still have produced a pattern of drifted buoys experienced. 6. Sufficient copies of this letter are being forwarded to provide copies to CTG 132.1 if desired. Members of the staff of that group have advised informally that any matter regarding technique of buoy laying and recovery will be of interest. /s/ E. B. Jarman From: Navigator To: Via: Subj: Encl: Commanding Officer Executive Officer Project 5.4a, Set and Drift of Buoys: observation of Plotting chart 1. The following observations have been made and are hereby submitted for future reference: 77