The Birth of Airborne Radar in Britain
An introduction to the first airborne radar systems, developed in Britain, describing the technologies and the systems that entered service with the RAF at the start of WWII.
About
In 1936 Robert Watson-Watt assembled a small team, led by “Taffy” Bowen, to investigate the possibility of developing airborne radar. They were based at Bawdsey Manor, in Suffolk, flying from Martlesham Heath. They had no real idea whether the task was possible.
By August 1937 they had flown the world’s first complete airborne radar, known as RDF2. This would lead to the introduction into service with the RAF in July 1939 of Airborne Intercept system AI Mk. I. Soon after the outbreak of war, this was followed by the first Air to Surface Vessel system, ASV Mk. I. The technology for these first systems was quite experimental but by 1940 they had evolved to better engineered systems, AI Mk. IV and ASV Mk. II. ASV Mk. II would be taken in 1940 to the USA, as part of the Tizard Mission, and would become the first airborne radar in the USA. This led to a very rapid expansion of systems in Britain and USA, playing a critical role in countering night bombers and the U-boat threat. This lecture will describe the technology developments of those early years, from 1937 to 1941, which paved the way for a further huge expansion of technology that would take place following the advent of the high power cavity magnetron.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
27 Mar 2026
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Organiser
- London Local Network
Registration information
During the registration process for the lecture you will have the opportunity to book the networking lunch. Lunch starts promptly at 12.00 and costs £25 (incl VAT) for a two-course meal with wine.
Reservations for lunch must be pre-booked. They can be made up to 11pm on the Monday prior to the event (subject to availability).
Speakers
Professor Simon Watts, MBE DSc FREng FIET FIEEE
Former Deputy Scientific Director and Technical Fellow - Visiting Professor ay University College London
Simon Watts was a deputy Scientific Director and Technical Fellow in Thales UK until 2013 and is a Visiting Professor in the department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at University College London. He spent much of his career in research into airborne radar systems and has published two textbooks on radar sea clutter and two books on the history of airborne maritime surveillance radar.
Reasons to attend
To learn about the development and importance of radar.
Programme
This lecture is preceded by an optional lunch, which is served at 12.00, providing an opportunity to network with colleagues prior to the lecture.
14:00 – the lecture starts promptly at 14:00
14:45 approximately – Questions and discussion
15:30 - Networking time in the Faraday Centre.
On arrival, please sign in at the Faraday Reception desk, on the second floor of the IET in Savoy Place.