German Radar of WWII

From Japanese Electronics, OPNAV-16-VP101, Photographic Intelligence Report 1, Air Intelligence Group, Division of Naval Intelligence, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, January 1945:

 

German Radar Summary
 

Examples of German Radar are included here to cover the possibility that the Japanese may have access to German equipment and technicians.

The Germans employ several types of land based installations covering the functions of Air Search, Fire Control, and Coast Watching.

These types are quite well standardized and are much more efficient than those the Japanese are known to have.

There is now some photographic evidence of German Radar equipment in use by the Japanese. Also, it is knowrn that many other types of German electronics equipment are being used.

The following table represents the latest list of German Radar types with salient information concerning each.

 

GERMAN LAND BASED RADAR

Name Size of Screen* Top of Screen Above Ground Frequency Range in Nautical Miles Use
LIMBER FREYA 20’x 16′
IFF – 16¼ x 3½’
26¾’
30′ with IFF
116-146 MCS. 75 A.S.
POLE FREYA 20’x 16′
IFF – 16¼ x 3½’ or 20′ x 8′
32′, 35′ or 40′ with IFF 116-146 MCS. 100 A.S.
GIRDER CHIMNEY 19½’ x 97½ 115′ 120-130 MCS. 110 A.S.
CYLINDRICAL CHIMNEY 60′ x 97½
IFF .22′ High
110½’ 120-130 MCS. 160 A.S.
GEMA COASTWATCHER 20′ x 8′ 25′ 370-390 MCS. Depends on elevation (ASL) of site C.W.
LARGE COASTWATCHER 35′ x 34′ 40′ 70-90 MCS. 60-75 C.W.
SMALL HOARDING 63¾’ x 44¾’ 50′     C.W.
LARGE HOARDING 98′ x 36½’ 50′ 120-130 MCS. 100-115 C.W.
SMALL WURZBURG 10′ Diameter 12½’ in Vertical Position 550-580 MCS. 25 F.C.
GIANT WURZBURG 24′ Diameter 27′ in Vertical Position 470-580 MCS. 40 G.C.I., A.S. & C.W.

* – Width (Horizontal Dimension) Given First
A.S. – Air Search
F.C. – A/A Fire Control
C.W. – Coast Watching
G.C.I. – Ground Control Intercept
 

Drawings of all of the basic German Radar types are included on this page. Best known popular names are used for the designation of each type. It will be noted that these designs are quite well standardized for each particular use, and identification is easier because of this fact.

In most cases, this German equipment is superior to that now in use by the Japanese. A constant watch for German type designs of Radar in Japanese held territory is therefore in order.

German Radar of WW2

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3 Responses to German Radar of WWII

  1. Ralph says:

    Nice radar drawing.

  2. bucks-fan says:

    Although the Germans were ahead in many areas of aeronautics and electronics, the U.S. and British had the first radar and the best radar and electronics.

  3. dave stern says:

    Desperate for an image of Japanese radar on Kska island, Aleutian Islands in WW II, and possible I.D. of same unit.
    have loads of that campaign photos, and aviation images to trade for just one or two Japanese radar units used in that campaign.
    Thanks

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