InfoCoBuild

Radar and Its Applications

Radar is an object detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio waves or microwaves which bounce off any object in their path. The object returns a tiny part of the wave's energy to a dish or antenna which is usually located at the same site as the transmitter.

Radar was secretly developed by several nations before and during World War II. The term RADAR was coined in 1940 by the United States Navy as an acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging. The term radar has since entered English and other languages as the common noun radar, losing all capitalization. (from wikipedia.org)

Radar and Its Applications
This film examines the history and development of radar, its use in the Battle of Britain, and types of radar readout equipment.

The Men Who Invented RADAR
A documentary about the British 'boffins' who developed RADAR in the 1930's, which was to play such a crucial role in The Battle Of Britain in the summer of 1940.

A Short History of Radar 1935 - 1945
A Short History of Radar (and the mathematics behind it) by Professor Chris Budd (University of Bath): How some mathematical calculations, plus a lot of science helped to win the war.

Radar Defense Screen (Science in Action)
This film features discussions and demonstrations related to the uses and technology of radar as an air defense tool. It includes scenes of 1950's military aircraft in service with the United States Air Force.

How Does ATC Aviation Radar Work?
This film shows the operation, capabilities, and limitations of radar. It illustrates why the use of transponders in today's modern air traffic control system is essential for flight safety.