Type 285 radar facts for kids
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1940 |
| Type | Fire-control radar |
| Frequency | 600 MHz |
| Beamwidth |
|
| Pulsewidth | 2 μs |
| Range | 18,000 yd (16,000 m) |
| Altitude | 15,000 ft (4,600 m) |
| Precision | 150 yd (140 m) |
| Power | 25 kW |
The Type 285 radar was a special electronic device used by the British Navy during World War II. It helped sailors aim their anti-aircraft guns at enemy planes. Think of it like a super-smart eye that could see far away, even in the dark or bad weather, to protect ships from air attacks.
Contents
What Was the Type 285 Radar?
This radar was a very important tool for the British Navy. It was a type of fire-control radar. This means it helped guide guns to hit their targets. Specifically, it was used for anti-aircraft gunnery. This helped ships shoot down enemy aircraft.
How Did It Work?
The Type 285 radar sent out radio waves. These waves would bounce off enemy planes. The radar then "listened" for the echoes. By measuring how long it took for the echo to return, the radar could figure out how far away a plane was. It could also tell the direction of the plane. This information was then sent to the ship's guns.
Early Testing and Use
The very first version of the Type 285 radar was tested in August 1940. It was put on a ship called HMS Southdown. This ship was an escort destroyer, a type of warship that protected other ships. The tests showed that the radar worked well. It helped improve how accurately ships could fire their guns.
Different Versions of Type 285
Over time, the Type 285 radar was improved. Different versions were made to be even better.
- The original Type 285 started being used in 1941.
- The Type 285M and 285P versions came out later. They had more power, which meant they could see targets even more clearly. These improved versions were also used during the war.
Why Was It Important?
The Type 285 radar was very important during World War II. It helped British warships defend themselves against air attacks. Before radar, aiming anti-aircraft guns was much harder, especially at night or in bad weather. This radar gave ships a big advantage. It helped protect sailors and ships from enemy bombers and fighter planes.
