Print this page Print this page

RADAR: RAdio Detection And Ranging

 J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1940s/50s/60s, we will examine the history and development of radar. We will examine its early development prior to WWII, its successful applications during WWII and post-war developments.

Furthermore, we will examine the development of ground surveillance radar for military purposes and the application of the Doppler Effect in radar systems. As well, we will examine IBM’s SAGE computer defense system which collected and coordinated data from radar stations for the air defense of the nation during the Cold War.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the development, innovations, technologies etc. of radar.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;

Part 1 examines the development of radar in the years leading up to WWII and its applications during the war as a secret weapon. Part 2 examines the principles of radar and their applications including ground surveillance radar systems. Part 3 examine the SAGE computer defense system for collecting and coordinating radar data.

Course Content

Part 1 – Proven in War;
TITLE: Radar Secrets (ca.1940s)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0436_Radar_Secrets_01_20_16_00
DURATION: 23:07
Part 2 – RAdio Detection And Ranging;
TITLE: Radar and Its Applications (1962)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.892095
DURATION: 40:30
TITLE: The AN/TPS-25 Ground Surveillance Radar (1963)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.29604
DURATION: 31:00
Part 3 – Radar’s Brain;
TITLE: On Guard! The Story of SAGE (ca.1956)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/OnGuard1956
DURATION: 12:15

Course Summary

It was the secret weapon that helped win the Second World War, a joint effort of the United States and Great Britain in the years immediately before the outbreak of war in 1939 that was proven out in the skies of southern England during the Battle of Britain (1940). Had it not been for the early warning radar provided, the battle might very well have had a different outcome. In the post-WWII years, radar was even more important as our first line of defense since the oceans that separated the United States from its potential adversaries were not an obstacle to the long-range bomber and/or ballistic missile. Radar’s role in civil aviation is critical, allowing air traffic to flow smoothly and safely. Radar has come a long way from its first use as a guide for searchlights seeking the approach of enemy aircraft.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSajdavR6Yw (Film - Under the Radar - Radar Technological Development - 1:37:24)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcDT6wqDnO8 (Film: Battle Stations - Radar Documentary - 1:01:33)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.