Type 279 radar facts for kids

The Type 279 radar was a special electronic system. It was used by the Royal Navy in Britain during World War II. This radar was designed to give an early warning. It helped ships spot enemy aircraft and other ships from a distance.

The Type 279 radar was an improved version. It came from an earlier radar system called the Type 79. At first, it used two separate parts. One part sent out radio waves, and another part received them. Later, a newer version, the Type 279M, used just one part for both sending and receiving.

This radar could also help ships in other ways. It had a special mode to search for things on the water's surface. It could also help with aiming guns at targets in the air or on the water. It used a "Precision Ranging Panel." This panel sent exact distances to a special computer called the HACS table. This computer then helped the ship's guns aim correctly.

How the Type 279 Radar Worked

The Type 279 radar sent out radio waves. These waves would bounce off objects like planes or ships. Then, the radar would listen for the waves to come back. By measuring how long it took for the waves to return, the radar could figure out how far away an object was. It could also tell its direction.

Key Features of the Radar

• Early Warning: Its main job was to warn ships about approaching threats. This gave them time to prepare for battle.
• Two-Part System: The first Type 279 had separate antennas. One antenna sent out the radar signal. The other antenna listened for the echo.
• One-Part System (Type 279M): The improved Type 279M used a single antenna. This antenna could both send and receive signals. This made the system simpler.
• Surface Search: Besides finding aircraft, it could also look for ships on the ocean's surface.
• Gun Aiming: The radar helped ships aim their guns. It sent accurate distance information to a special aiming computer.

Technical Details

The Type 279 radar operated at a specific radio frequency. This frequency was 39.9 MHz. It sent out powerful signals, up to 70 kilowatts. This power helped the radar detect objects far away. The first version, Type 279, started being used in 1940. The improved Type 279M came into service in 1941.