Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Development of Naval Warning and Tactical Radar Operating in the 10-cm Band, 1940–45

  • Chapter
Book cover The Development of Radar Equipments for the Royal Navy, 1935–45

  • 50 Accesses

Summary

British inventions in 1940 of: the high-power cm-wave resonantcavity magnetron, a tuneable receiver local-oscillator klystron, and a silicon crystal-mixer for superheterodyne receiver operation. TRE (Air Ministry) demonstrate an experimental 10-cm pulse radar against small ship targets by autumn, 1940. Urgent Naval requirement for effective radar in convoy escorts to detect surfaced U-boats at night. Resulted in first Naval operational 10-cm radar by March 1941.

Subsequent adaptation for larger warships, and by Army and RAF for ground applications. Rapid development of 70kW magnetrons by mid–1942, and 500kW version by mid–1943. Introduction of PPI display. Adoption of wave-guide techniques in antenna systems. Common T/R working, with continuous antenna rotation. Effective tactical radar for surface search, and against low-flying aircraft. Development of successful target indication (TI) radars with remote displays for use against both low and high-flying aircraft, and of fighter direction sets having accurate height-finding capability.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. E.G. Bowen, Radar Days (Adam Hilger, 1987), p. 141.

    Google Scholar 

  2. F. Trenkle, Die Deutshcen Funkmessverfahren bis 1945 (Dr Alfred Hüthig Verlag, Heidelberg, 1986), p.72 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  3. E. B. Callick, Metres to Microwaves (Peter Peregrinus, 1990), p. 62.

    Google Scholar 

  4. A. C. B. Lovell, Echoes of War — the Story of H2S Development (Adam Hilger, 1991), p.41.

    Google Scholar 

  5. H. A. H. Boot and J. T. Randall, ‘The Cavity Magnetron’, Jour. IEE, Vol. 93, Part IIIA, p. 928 et seq; W. E. Willshaw et al., ‘The High-Power Pulsed Magnetron: Development and Design for Radar Applications’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 985 et seq. E. C. S. Megaw, ‘The High-Power Pulsed Magnetron: A Review of Early Developments’, Jour. IEE loc. cit., p. 977 et seq. L. F. Broadway, ‘Velocity-Modulated Valves’, Jour IEE loc. cit., p.855 et seq. A. F. Pierce and B. J. Mayo, ‘the CV35 — a Velocity-Modulation Reflection Oscillator for Wavelengths of about 10-cm’, Jour IEE op. loc. cit., p.847 et seq. B. Bleaney, ‘Crystal Valves’, Jour IEE loc. cit., p.847 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Captain S. W. Roskill, The War at Sea (HMSO, 1947), Vol. I, p. 350.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Ibid

    Google Scholar 

  8. C. Domb and M. H. L. Pryce, ‘The Calculation of Field-Strengths Over a Spherical Earth’, Proc. IEE, Vol. 94, Part III (1947), p.326 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  9. E. G. Bowen, op. cit., p.148.

    Google Scholar 

  10. J. G. Crowther and A. Whiddington, ‘Science at War’ (HMSO, 1947), p.19.

    Google Scholar 

  11. A. C. B. Lovell, op. cit., p. 50 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  12. PRO AVIA 7/144 (TRE File 4/4/457). The documents now located in AVIA7/144 permit a precise timetable to be drawn up for establishment of the Naval 10-cm Applications Group under S. E.A. Landale. The documents are: — Letter of 19th November, 1940: Superintendent TRE to The Secretary, Ministry of Aircraft Production (D. C. D.) on the subject of “Use of cm waves for Submarine Detection” (TRE 4/4/457). — Letter of 18th November, 1940: Captain Willett for Captain Commanding Signal School to Superintendent TRE, copied to DSD and DSR, Admiralty and circulated at TRE to Drs. Lewis and Skinner: names the HMSS party to report at Swanage on November 21st and details the instructions given Landale as the senior in charge (no formal letter reference). — MS notes for the ‘Skinner’ report as reproduced in Appendix A of Radar at Sea (Macmillan, 1993), containing some additional information.

    Google Scholar 

  13. H. D. Howse, Radar at Sea. The Royal Navy in World War2 (Macmillan, 1993), pp. 69–71.

    Google Scholar 

  14. A. C. B. Lovell, op. cit., p.51.

    Google Scholar 

  15. PRO AVIA 7/144. Superintendent TRE letter of 19 November, 1940, Reference TRE 4/4/457.

    Google Scholar 

  16. A. C. B. Lovell, op. cit., p. 52.

    Google Scholar 

  17. PRO AVIA 7/144. TRE letter, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  18. H. W. B. Skinner, ‘Preliminary Reports on Tests on Ships Using 10-cm Waves, November/December 1940’, quoted in full as Appendix A in H. D. Howse, Radar at Sea. The Royal Navy in World War 2 (Macmillan, 1993).

    Google Scholar 

  19. PRO AVIA 7/144, loc. cit., Letter of 18 November, 1940 from Captain Willett, HMSS to Superintendent, TRE.

    Google Scholar 

  20. A. C. B. Lovell, op. cit, and E. G. Bowen, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  21. H. W. B. Skinner, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  22. A. C. B. Lovell, op. cit, p. 53.

    Google Scholar 

  23. PRO AVIA 7/144. Manuscript notes in file.

    Google Scholar 

  24. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix B, ‘Type 271. Trials in HMS Orchis, Report dated April, 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  25. ADM 220/78, CSS to DSD (personal), 29 March 1941 included the following: ‘… I think that Landale and his party have done a wonderful job in taking over from the Research Department (TRE) in December, engineering and improving the technical performance of the equipment, and getting it to sea and working by mid-March. I hope one day you will have a chance to tell him so’.

    Google Scholar 

  26. L. F. Broadway et al., ‘Velocity-Modulation Valves’, Jour IEE, loc. cit., p. 859.

    Google Scholar 

  27. O. Böhm, ‘Cheese Aerials’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 45.

    Google Scholar 

  28. W. E. Willshaw, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  29. O. L. Ratsey, ‘Radar Transmitters: A Survey of Developments’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 847 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  30. B. Bleaney, ‘Crystal Valves’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p.847 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  31. PRO ADM 220/79, Admiralty letter SD 02053/41 of 2/8/41.

    Google Scholar 

  32. L. F. Broadway, op. cit., p. 183.

    Google Scholar 

  33. CAC NRT ND154 Appendix C, ‘Report on RDF Trials with Type 271 on HMS Prince of Wales’, August 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Brig. A. P. Sayer, ‘Army Radar — the Second World War’, 1950, p.128 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Ibid., p. 129.

    Google Scholar 

  36. PRO ADM 220/78, February 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  37. PRO ADM 220/80, 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  38. PRO ADM 220/78, Admiralty meeting of 4/8/41.

    Google Scholar 

  39. D. G. Fink, Radar Engineering (McGraw-Hill, 1947).

    Google Scholar 

  40. PRO ADM 220/80, Signal 11/10/1941.

    Google Scholar 

  41. RDF Bulletin No 1, Report No 9, April 1942, DSD.

    Google Scholar 

  42. J. H. E. Griffiths, ‘The Development of Radio Valves’, Jour. IEE op. cit., p. 177.

    Google Scholar 

  43. J. G. Crowther and A. Whiddington, op. cit., p. 47.

    Google Scholar 

  44. L. G. H. Huxley, The Principles and Practice of Waveguides (Cambridge University Press, 1947).

    Google Scholar 

  45. E. C. S. Megaw, op. cit., p. 977 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  46. J. H. E. Griffiths, op. cit, p. 175.

    Google Scholar 

  47. W. E. Willshaw, et al., op. cit., p. 985.

    Google Scholar 

  48. D. G. Fink, Radar Engineering (McGraw-Hill, 1947).

    Google Scholar 

  49. W. E. Willshaw et al., op. cit., p. 986.

    Google Scholar 

  50. C. A. Cochrane, ‘Development of Naval Warning Radar’, Draft report held in CAC, NRT papers.

    Google Scholar 

  51. O. L. Ratsey, op. cit., p. 255.

    Google Scholar 

  52. J. H. E. Griffiths, ‘The Development of Radio Valves’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 175.

    Google Scholar 

  53. CAC NRT ND32, Extracts from SS/ASE Monthly Reports, 1941–45.

    Google Scholar 

  54. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix E, ‘Type 271 Mark IV RDF trials in HMS Marigold’, May 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  55. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix F, ‘Type 273 Mark IV: Report of Trials Carried Out July 10th–13th, 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  56. CAC NRT ND32, Extracts from SS/ASE Monthly Reports, 1941–45.

    Google Scholar 

  57. O. L. Ratsey, op. cit., p. 255.

    Google Scholar 

  58. A. W. Cooke, ‘Gas-Discharge Switches for Single Aerial Working’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 186.

    Google Scholar 

  59. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix F, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  60. CAC NRT ND30 and ND34 DSD RDF Bulletins, Nos 1–6, February 1943–March 1944.

    Google Scholar 

  61. A. H. Cooke et al., ‘Electronic Switches for Single-Aerial Working’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 1575 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  62. F. A. Kingsley (ed.), The Application of Radar and Other Electronic Systems in the Royal Navy in World War 2 (Macmillan, 1994), Monograph 1 by H. W. Pout.

    Google Scholar 

  63. O. L. Ratsey, op. cit., p. 259 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  64. CAC NRT 30 and ND34, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  65. PRO ADM 220/2014, ‘RDF WS Types 272/273, Mark V: Expected Performance’, DSD Minute No. SD 05577/42, October 1942.

    Google Scholar 

  66. PRO ADM 220/78, Amendment to Reference 65.

    Google Scholar 

  67. M. H. L. Pryce, ‘Waveguides’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p.36 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  68. E. C. S. Megaw, ‘Experimental Studies of the Propagation of Very Short Radio Waves’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p.96 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  69. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix J, ‘Type 293X in HMS Janus: Report of Trials, Part 1, Aircraft Trials’, August 1943.

    Google Scholar 

  70. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix K, ‘Type 293X in HMS Janus: Report of Trials, Part 2, Surface Craft’, September 1943.

    Google Scholar 

  71. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix L, ‘Type 276 in HMS Tuscan: Report of Trials’, November 1943.

    Google Scholar 

  72. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix M, ‘Type 277 in HMS Campania, Report of Trials, 1944.

    Google Scholar 

  73. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix N, ‘Type 277 in HMS Coppercliff, Interim Report of Trials on Surface Craft, Nov., 1944’.

    Google Scholar 

  74. H. Dahl, ‘A Pre-Tuned Frequency changer for the 10-cm Region’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 280 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  75. H. D. Howse, op. cit.

    Google Scholar 

  76. W. E. Willshaw et al., op. cit. p.999.

    Google Scholar 

  77. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix O, ‘Microwave Fighter Direction Equipment’, March 1944.

    Google Scholar 

  78. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix P, ‘A Description of Types 960P, 980 and 981’, January 1946.

    Google Scholar 

  79. L. G. H. Huxley, op. cit., p.102 et seq.

    Google Scholar 

  80. L. A. Moxon, ‘The Noise Characteristics of Radar Receivers’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p.1140.

    Google Scholar 

  81. F. A. Kingsley (ed.), op. cit., Monograph 3 by Cdr. A. E. Fanning, RN, and Monograph 4, by Cdr. R. S. Woolrych, RN.

    Google Scholar 

  82. R. E. Burgess, ‘The Characteristics of Detected Noise and the Observation of Signals below Noise Level’, Radio Division report, NPL, 1945.

    Google Scholar 

  83. G. Bradfield, J. G. Bartlett and D. S. Watson, ‘A Survey of Cathode-Ray Tube Problems with Special Reference to Radar in Service Applications’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 147.

    Google Scholar 

  84. F. A. Kingsley (ed.), op. cit., Monograph 3 by Cdr A. E. Fanning, RN.

    Google Scholar 

  85. E. B. Callick, op. cit., p. 69; J. H. E. Griffiths, op. cit., p.175.

    Google Scholar 

  86. E. B. Callick, op. cit., p. 84; L. F. Broadway, ‘Velocity-Modulated Valves’, Jour. IEE, loc. cit., p. 860.

    Google Scholar 

  87. J. H. E. Griffiths, op. cit., p.173.

    Google Scholar 

  88. W. E. Willshaw et al., op. cit., p. 993.

    Google Scholar 

  89. F. A. Kingsley (ed.), op. cit., Monograph 2 by H. W. Pout.

    Google Scholar 

  90. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix Q, ‘Report on the Hand-Controlled 3.2-cm System N3’ (Extract from EMI Report RL/44).

    Google Scholar 

  91. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix G, ‘Trials of Type 261 on HMS Saltburn’.

    Google Scholar 

  92. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix R, ‘A Brief History of Submarine Radar’, by S. R. Tanner.

    Google Scholar 

  93. W. E. Knowles-Middleton, Radar Development in Canada (Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, 1981), p. 54.

    Google Scholar 

  94. CAC NRT ND154, Appendix T, ‘Comparative Trials of S, X, and K-band Radar for Detection of a Dummy Schnorkel’.

    Google Scholar 

  95. F. A. Kingsley (ed.), op. cit., Monograph 3 by Cdr. A. E. Fanning, RN.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. C. A. Cochrane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Birmingham University, UK

    F. A. Kingsley BSc, CPhys, FInstP, CEng, FIEE

Copyright information

© 1995 Naval Radar Trust

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Cochrane, C.A. (1995). Development of Naval Warning and Tactical Radar Operating in the 10-cm Band, 1940–45. In: Kingsley, F.A. (eds) The Development of Radar Equipments for the Royal Navy, 1935–45. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-13457-1_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation