History of Radar in Timeline
Radar is a radiodetermination system employing radio waves to ascertain the range, direction, and radial velocity of objects in relation to a fixed point. This technology finds applications in various fields, including aviation, maritime navigation, space exploration, meteorology, and traffic control, enabling the detection and tracking of aircraft, vessels, spacecraft, missiles, vehicles, weather patterns, and terrain.
April 1904: Christian Hülsmeyer's Patent
Christian Hülsmeyer, a German inventor, obtained a patent for his radio wave-based detection device in April 1904. This device was designed to detect the presence of metallic objects, particularly ships in dense fog.
September 1904: Hülsmeyer's Improved Radar System
In September 1904, Christian Hülsmeyer patented an improved version of his radar system called the "telemobiloscope." This system operated on a 50 cm wavelength and used a spark-gap to generate pulsed radar signals.
1915: Robert Watson-Watt's Early Work on Radio Technology
In 1915, Robert Watson-Watt began exploring the use of radio technology for detecting thunderstorms, providing early warning systems for airmen. This marked the beginning of his influential work in radio technology.
1922: Discovery of the Fading Signal Phenomenon
In 1922, U.S. Navy researchers A. Hoyt Taylor and Leo C. Young discovered that ships passing through a radio beam's path caused the received signal to fade in and out. This discovery had significant implications for the development of radar.
1928: Alder's Secret Patent for Naval Radar
In 1928, L. S. Alder filed a secret provisional patent for Naval radar in the UK. This indicates that radar research was already underway with potential military applications in mind.
January 1931: First Official Documentation of Radar in Great Britain
In January 1931, a writeup about a pulsed radar apparatus operating at 50 cm (600 MHz) was recorded in the Inventions Book of the Royal Engineers. This marked the first official documentation of radar technology in Great Britain.
December 1934: Robert M. Page Demonstrates the First Pulsed Radar
Robert M. Page, an American working at the Naval Research Laboratory, demonstrated the first pulsed radar system in December 1934, marking a significant advancement in radar technology.
1934: French Research on Obstacle-Locating Radio Apparatus
In France, the research division of the Compagnie générale de la télégraphie sans fil (CSF) began developing an obstacle-locating radio apparatus in 1934. This research was led by Maurice Ponte and involved Henri Gutton, Sylvain Berline, and M. Hugon.
February 1935: The Daventry Experiment
The Daventry Experiment, conducted on February 1935, provided crucial evidence of radar's potential. Using a BBC shortwave transmitter and a receiver, Watson-Watt's team successfully detected an aircraft, impressing Air Member Hugh Dowding and securing funding for further development.
May 1935: Rudolf Kühnhold and GEMA Demonstrate a Pulsed Radar System
In May 1935, Rudolf Kühnhold and the firm GEMA in Germany demonstrated another pulsed radar system, further advancing the technology.
June 1935: Robert Watson-Watt's Team Demonstrates a Pulsed Radar System
An Air Ministry team in Great Britain led by Robert Watson-Watt demonstrated a pulsed radar system in June 1935, solidifying the importance of pulsed systems in radar technology.
1935: Deployment of Working Radar Systems Begins
After receiving funding and support, Watson-Watt's team began deploying operational radar systems in 1935, marking a crucial step in the practical application of radar technology.
1935: Installation of Radar Technology on the Normandie Ocean Liner
In 1935, aspects of the obstacle-locating radio apparatus developed by CSF were installed on the ocean liner Normandie. This marked an early application of radar technology in a civilian setting.
September 1936: Establishment of Bawdsey Research Station
On September 1936, under Watson-Watt's leadership, the British Air Ministry established Bawdsey Research Station to further develop radar technology. This marked a significant commitment to radar research and development.
1936: First Five Chain Home Systems Operational
By 1936, the first five Chain Home (CH) radar systems were up and running. Although considered rudimentary compared to later systems, they represented a significant advancement in air defense capabilities.
1938: First Commercial Radar Device in Aviation
The year 1938 marked a significant milestone in aviation as the first commercial radar device, a Bell Lab unit, was installed on some United Air Lines aircraft.
1939: Chain Home Operational for World War II
By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the Chain Home system of radar stations was operational along the East and South coasts of England. This system played a vital role in the Battle of Britain, providing crucial early warnings of incoming enemy aircraft.
1939: Soviet Union Produces First Mass Production Radars
The Soviet Union produced its first mass-produced radars, the RUS-1 and RUS-2 Redut, in 1939.
April 1940: Popular Science Features Radar Unit
In April 1940, Popular Science magazine published an article on air defense that included an example of a radar unit based on the Watson-Watt patent, increasing public awareness of this new technology.
1940: Chain Home Coverage Expands Across the UK
By 1940, the Chain Home radar network extended across the entirety of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. This provided comprehensive coverage and enhanced early warning capabilities against air raids.
1940: The Term "RADAR" is Coined
In 1940, the United States Navy coined the acronym "RADAR," which stands for "radio detection and ranging." This term quickly became widely adopted and lost its capitalization over time.
1940: Cavity Magnetron Development and Technology Sharing
In 1940, the cavity magnetron was developed in the UK, a pivotal advancement that enabled the creation of smaller radar systems with enhanced resolution. Recognizing its significance, Britain shared this technology with the United States during the Tizard Mission.
1941: Speculation on British Early Warning System and US Involvement
Popular Mechanics published an article in late 1941 where a US scientist speculated about Britain's early warning system on the English east coast, coming close to revealing its principles and functionality. Also in 1941, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, Watson-Watt was sent to the US to provide expertise on air defense.
June 1943: First Russian Airborne Radar Enters Service
In June 1943, the Gneiss-2, the first Russian airborne radar, was put into service on Pe-2 dive bombers.
1943: Page's Monopulse Technique Improves Radar Accuracy
In 1943, Page significantly enhanced radar technology by developing the monopulse technique, a breakthrough that became a cornerstone for many radar applications for years to come.
1944: Production of Gneiss-2 Stations
By the end of 1944, over 230 Gneiss-2 stations had been produced.
1978: US Navy Aircraft Loss Attributed to Coolanol Fire
The year 1978 saw a tragic incident where a US Navy aircraft was lost due to a fire attributed to Coolanol, a silicate ester used in several military radars in the 1970s.
2017: NOAA Plans National Network of Phased Array Radars
In 2017, NOAA announced its plan to implement a nationwide network of Multi-Function Phased Array Radars within 10 years. This network aims to enhance meteorological studies and flight monitoring across the United States.