This page is a List of World War II British naval radar.
Nomenclature
These sets were initially numbered as wireless telegraph (w/t) sets, but a distinguishing prefix of "2" was soon added. Metric sets were numbered in the 28x and 29x series. When centimetric sets arrived with the advent of the cavity magnetron, they were numbered by subtracting 10 from the metric type number they were based on (e.g. the metric Type 284 was replaced by the centimetric Type 274). This was not always possible however, as Types 271 - 274 were already in use for original centimetric sets, thus some metric sets in the Type 28x range had 20 subtracted (e.g. the metric Type 282 was replaced by the centimetric Type 262). Aerial outfits were given a three letter identifier that began with "A".
Suffixing letters indicated the following; B - conversion of sets with separate transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) antennas to single antenna operation. M, P, Q - major set modifications R - addition of range-taking panel U - modification to suit coastal operations W - modification to submarine use X, Y, Z - experimental modifications
Sets
ASV II
The first successful Air to Surface Vessel radar (ASV), from early 1940. ASV II was a re-packaged ASV I but otherwise similar. ASV II radar allowed Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Swordfish from the carriers and to locate and attack the German battleship in May 1941.
ASV III
The first successful airborne microwave radar. Used on FAA Swordfish and Barracuda aircraft, and many RAF Coastal Command aircraft. High-resolution centimetric radar could detect even small objects, such as the periscope or snorkel of a submerged submarine, making it a highly efficient tool for Anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The Mk XI was a further development exclusively for the FAA.
Type 79
Based on the Type 79 w/t, first fitted to then and later ; (40 sets ordered)
Type 86
Fore-runner to Type 286.
Type 262
Centimetric fire-control set for 40 mm Bofors weapons. Fitted to Close Range Blind Fire (CRBF) director and STAAG weapon mount. Dish antenna spun off-centre at high speed to produce scanning cone, target lock and blind fire possible.
Type 267
Air warning set for submarines replacing Type 291W.
Type 268
First X band naval radar. Used on small vessels for target indication and navigation.
Type 271
Type 271 was the original naval centimetric target indication radar, later fitted with a plan position indicator. Type 271 had separate transmit and receive aerials, small "cheese" antennas stacked on top of each other. The antenna array was carried in a distinctive protective perspex "lantern", and initially had to be fitted directly onto the radar office roof due to limitations in coaxial cabling (until suitable waveguides had been developed). The Type 271 was a vitally important war weapon, as for the first time it allowed escort ships to reliably detect surfaced U-boats or even just their periscopes. It was first fitted in . 350 sets were ordered. Modification Q was much more powerful and known as the "Centimetric Mark IV". Mark V was even more powerful and later renamed Type 277. Type 271 was fitted widely to escort vessels of corvette and frigate size, with the unsuccessful Type 272 intended for destroyers and the Type 273 for cruisers and battleships.
Type 272
A version of the Type 271 with a cable-drive and more powerful receiver allowing the antenna to be mounted remotely from the radar office. Was not considered successful and not widely used.
Type 273
A version of the 271 with a much larger diameter full-parabolic antennas instead of the smaller clipped "cheese" antennas of the 271. The antennas were mounted on a stabilized mounting and placed high on the mast on cruiser and battleship sized ships. The larger antennas more than made up for the wiring losses seen in the 272, and the resulting system was even more powerful than the original 271. Upgrades followed those of the original 271 series. In the Battle of the North Cape, identified the target of at using her Type 273 set, receiving a solid signal on the Scharnhorst's mast while the ship was still well below the radar horizon. Replaced by the Type 276.
Type 274
Centimetric replacement for Type 284. Main armament ranging and shot-spotting set for cruisers and battleships. "Double cheese" antennas. Most notably in place on HMS Belfast
Type 275
Centimetric replacement for Type 285. Destroyer main armament and capital ship secondary fire control set. Fitted to directors HACS Mark VI and Mark 6M and modified American Mark 37. Separate Tx and Rx dishes.