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| © IWM A 29188 (Radar in 1945) |
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| RADAR IN THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN |
Radar - or radio detecting and ranging - was one of the most important factors in the success of Britain’s air defences during the Battle of Britain.
Radar could be used to detect and locate incoming enemy aircraft. It worked by sending out radio waves that bounced off solid objects at a distance. These waves enabled operators to estimate four important things about approaching raids: the range (distance), bearing (direction), strength and height.
Radar was a crucial part of the Dowding System, Britain's highly effective and sophisticated air defence network.
By the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, a chain of early warning radar stations had already been built along the south and east coasts of Britain.
This system let Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command respond to incoming German attacks. The RAF could use its precious resources of pilots and aircraft to the best possible effect. |
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| CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS |
| We’ve just released new tickets to our special out-of-hours event, Battle of Britain 80: The Night Shoot on Saturday 24 October, from 2.30pm – 8.30pm. Photograph iconic Battle of Britain aircraft and vehicles up close and capture Duxford’s historic buildings and airfield just as they were 80 years ago. |
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Radar gave early warning of approaching raids. This information was first filtered through Fighter Command HQ. It was then communicated throughout the defence network. This gave fighter defences vital time to prepare for, and intercept, the attacks.
Radar wasn't always accurate and didn't produce a complete picture of the incoming threat. Additional intelligence was provided by the Observer Corps.
Its effectiveness also depended on the skills and judgment of the operators employed to interpret the signals.
Britain wasn’t alone in its use of radar. It was actually invented in Germany.
What really gave Britain the edge was that Germany failed to recognise how vital radar was to the country’s defence. Although they did attack some stations, only Ventnor on the Isle of Wight was put out of action for any significant period.
In 1940, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) was the largest and most formidable air force in Europe.
However, the Germans never concentrated their efforts on destroying radar stations. This meant that a crucial element of Britain’s air defence remained generally intact throughout the Battle of Britain.
You can now visit the new Ops Block exhibition at IWM Duxford to learn more about the Dowding System and go inside the historic Operations Room, which was used during the Battle of Britain to direct the station's pilots into combat. |
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| SPOT ENEMY AIRCRAFT |
| Have you put your aircraft spotting skills to the test? Try our 360° virtual reality Observer Corps experience and take on three spotting missions from a Battle of Britain enemy raid. Complete the experience and win 10% off in store at the IWM Duxford shop. |
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