Fort Trumbull in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The Arches
Submarine Antenna Over-Water Arch Facility
| | Building 101 | |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
1. “The Arches” Marker
This unusual structure was specifically designed to test submarine antennas in an environment that replicated conditions at sea. The roof contained a 93-by-66 foot concrete pool filled with seawater. The pool was six inches deep except for a well in the center that was about eighteen feet deep. Researchers conducted tests and collected data in a control room under the pool. The three tall overhead arches were made of wood to minimize radio-frequency reflections, which could cause errors in measurement.
Tests conducted here determined how well a submarine radio system would perform when communicating with satellites or the shore. During a test, an antenna was installed in the well of the pool. This simulated the conditions of a submarine at sea. A transmitting antenna mounted on a carriage moved up the middle arch, simulating different locations, from the horizon to directly overhead. Researchers could measure radio frequency signals generated between the two antennas to determine how well the submarine antenna functioned.
The two side arches were for support only. When the structure was dismantled in 1997, these side arches
this page online
Erected by Fort Trumbull State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. 41° 20.574′ N, 72° 5.561′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Fort Trumbull. It can be reached from East Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is at Fort Trumbull State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New London CT 06320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline and in the Thames River Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
2. “The Arches” Marker
More about this marker. A photo of the antenna facility appears at the lower left of the marker and has a caption of The soaring arches were a prominent feature on the New London waterfront in the 1980s and 1990s. The periscope test facility can be seen on the right. Photo courtesy of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
Also see . . . Friends of Fort Trumbull. Website homepage (Submitted on October 16, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
3. “The Arches” Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
4. Marker at Fort Trumbull State Park
The marker is seen here on the right side of the walkway near the waterfront in Fort Trumbull State Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,159 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 16, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
