[ARC5] Aircraft B-18A Bolo

[Lenox Carruth]

Hi Mike and the group,

It was widely used for ASW work.  The radar was called ASV (Air to Surface
Vessel).  Since World War II era submarines had to surface to charge their
batteries (normally done at night), they were easy to spot with radar.
Periscopes could also be spotted but, as you might expect, range was
limited.  Sub hunting aircraft had depth charges fitted instead of GP or
other bombs.  The English, in particular, would spotlight the sub with a
Leigh light after finding it with radar.  Radar was one of the primary tools
that allowed the Allies to win the Battle of the Atlantic.  In fact, without
America's ability to build ships faster than the Germans could sink them and
the development of long-range ASW aircraft and escort carriers, we would
have lost that battle and, thus, England.  Surface radar was also widely
used for ASW work - even on Allied submarines.

The British were ahead of the Americans early in the war in radar
development.  Two (if I remember correctly) groups of Americans were sent to
England to study radar before we entered the war.  They were called the ETG
for Electronics Training Group.  Half of each group studied ground radar and
the other half studied airborne radar.  The airborne radar at that time was,
primarily, designed for night interception of bombers.  However, the need
for night interception decreased and the effort was changed to ASW work.

B-24s and Short Sunderlands were fitted with ASW radar starting with meter
wavelengths and changing to microwaves when the cavity magnetron was
developed and integrated into radar transmitters and the klystron into
receivers.

The story of Radar development and use during World War II is fascinating
and there are several good books on the subject including the three-volume
history of the Signal Corps during that war.  I highly recommend those
volumes for anyone interested in World War II communications and
electronics.  I can suggest other books if anyone is interested.

Lenox


-----Original Message-----
From: arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Mike Feher

Hi -

I am curious how Radar would be used for ASW work? 73 - Mike

Mike B. Feher, N4FS
89 Arnold Blvd.
Howell, NJ, 07731
732-886-5960