LOOMIS, Alfred Lee [1887-1975] -- American attorney, inventor

Wiki: Alfred Lee Loomis

Alfred Loomis may well be remembered as the last of the great amateurs of science. He had distinguished himself in careers as a lawyer, as an Army officer, and as an investment banker before his fulle energies to the pursuit of scientific knowledge, first in physics, and later in biology.

He invented LORAN, short for "LOng RAnge Naviation", a hyperbolic radio navigation system developed in the United States during World War II. It was similar to the UK's Gee system, but operated at lower frequencies in order to provide improved range up to 1,500 miles (2,400 km) with accuracy of tens of miles. It was first used for ship convoys crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and then by long-range patrol aircraft, but found its main use on the ships and aircraft operating in the Pacific theatre.  
 

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