NAVY PROGRAMS IN SUPERCONDUCTING TECHNOLOGY

A review of U.S. Navy efforts in superconducting technology is given. Programs include development of superconducting magnets for motors in ship propulsion systems and to generate magnetic moments in mine sweep ing systems. A program to develop superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) for detection of mines and buried ordnance has succe ssfully been demonstrated. In electronic applications, superconducting filters, resonators, and antennae are being developed for radar, comm unication, and space systems. Concurrent with these superconductivity programs are efforts to improve the efficiency, reliability, and affor dability of refrigeration systems.