Want to learn more about the Italian World War II long-range microwave radar? Read on for facts and info on the development of the long-range microwave radar in Italy during World War II…
The long-range microwave radar was one of the revolutionary inventions that came about during World War II. In fact it is believed that this particular invention played a fundamental role in the outcome of the war.
The radar was important for the Allies, as well as the axis forces, because it served the purpose of obtaining information through wireless means over long distances.
Both the Allied Forces and the axis powers commissioned large groups of scientists and engineers to develop more effective radars. As a result, they were able to develop highly adaptable long-range radars that were based on a very simple science.
Although the concept of the radar had been conceived a few decades earlier, it was not pursued to its fullest because there was no such threat that necessitated the use of such equipment. However, with the development of large aircrafts that could carry major weapons and conduct heavy bombings, the need for long-range microwave radars grew.
More than eight countries set up independent research groups, which included Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, UK, USA and the Soviet Union. The basic operation of the radar was that the device emitted radio waves, which would be able to detect any reflections from objects in the distance.
The concept of the radar enables you to see with the help of radio waves what the eyes could not see. However, it was used for a number of different purposes during World War II. One of the major uses of radars was for the purpose of aiming searchlights and antiaircraft guns.
Italy, along with many other countries also armed their battleships with radar systems that helped them to maneuver and navigate during the nighttime. It also helped them to locate enemy ships and aircraft and provided them with a way of battling with the enemy forces effectively. Similarly, it was embedded in many aircrafts so that they could detect any danger in the form of an enemy aircraft or battleship looking to target them.
It also helped to locate the bombing targets on the ground. In fact some of the radars were so powerful that they could be used to detect buried mines and enemy artillery. Along with this, long-range microwave radars were used to predict weather conditions so that the armies could plan their war strategies accordingly.
The radars developed by every country were actually adapted from the technology of the radio communications field. HF, UHF and VHF tubes along with the antenna techniques were used to manipulate the microwave radars.
The British were the first to develop and employ long-range microwave radars during World War II. By the time the US entered the war the radar was easily available for them.
Italy entered the war in the year 1944, which was the year after the microwave radar had been developed and hence it was able to make use of this technology, although it did not help them to win over the Allied Forces.
