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A response to a request from an academic researcher regarding Marconi involvement in radar.

The Marconi Company History before the 2nd World War had quite an impact and set the scene for the Export activities of the 45-65 period.  

The Marconi Companies (Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co.(= MWT), Marconi International Marine Communications Co. (MIMCo.) Cables and Wireless, etc.) had been set up to exploit the discovery of wireless communication (both for Ship-to-Shore and Internationally). To achieve this it was necessary to have a comprehensive International network of transmitting/receiving stations and ‘within’ Country Co. Agencies or Offices were also essential.  All this was established by the mid 1930s and in by far the majority of cases survived through the War.  These Agents were to prove most important after the war by providing an in-country contact and the source of intelligence back to the Company.  

Further, in the early days it was also essential, to have comprehensive R&D facilities. Research to establish much more knowledge of, and forecasting of, propagation characteristics and investigation of Customers problems and evolving needs. Development to design improved transmitting and receiving equipment to meet the expanding range of communication services required both by International customers and for the Marine Services for the Shipping Companies.

By 1939 most of the Radio (Electronics) Industry of the U.K. was under a type of direction by the British Government, each major Company was asked to concentrate on a particular branch of electronics.  The Marconi Co. on short wave transmitters, communications receivers, special antennae and special manufacture, also to expand and extend all the Research in hand at the time (later extended to other work including on the cavity Magnetron for use in Radar).   Cossor onto special purpose receivers and Decca (later to become Plessey) on Navigation Aids. The other Companies such as AEI, EMI, Elliott Brothers, Pye, etc. were also ‘directed’ into various other military equipment fields such as airborne equipment, Naval and specialised items for the Army.

All R&D work, on what became Radar, during 1935-39 was carried out within existing or specially set-up Government Establishment and unit production work was handed out to Industry piece-meal. The conception of equipment and assembly of the systems was carried out within HMG units.  I believe this continued until 1940/1 except for the major ground Radar installations such as static antennae and their transmitter installations (mainly with MWT and AEI).  After this time some R&D work was passed out to a few selected Companies under strict security control, including MWT, AEI, Decca (Plessey) and Cossor.

At the end of WW2 it was the UK hope that it was all ‘Peace into the future’!! Thus, virtually all military R&D Contracts and all production Contracts were either cancelled or rapidly run down to the point that by 1946/7 military Radar work within Industry had all but ceased.  Most of the Companies had set about re-establishing their pre-war business, mainly domestic receivers and the TV (studio, broadcast transmitters and domestic receivers) etc.  By 1947 most of the Serving Personnel and Staff seconded during the War, to Government Establishments, had returned to their ‘parent’ Companies.  Leaving only a very small nucleus of Technical Staff in the four pre-war Government Establishments (RAE, TRE, ASRE & RRDE.)  

In the case of the MWT., Col. Elford, amongst others, returned to a management position with a burning desire to exploit his, and others, war time experience in Radar and other military equipment.  He was given the freedom (typical of MWT at the time) to set up the Services Equipment Division and purchase the drawings and manufacturing rights to some of the wartime mobile Radar equipment. As a result the Co. was in a position to respond to the demands, fed in through the Co. Agents, from National Governments (only HMG approved) clamouring to purchase Radar equipment. The result was that MWT was the first Co. to be in the manufacture and supply of post war military Radar (even though only wartime designed AMES Type 14 S-Band surveillance & AMES Type 13 S-Band height finding Radars).

About this time Cables and Wireless was nationalised by the Socialist Government leaving MWT very exposed,  As a consequence  MWT was taken over by the English Electric Co. (EECo.) which also had a large and effective Research Establishment (Nelson Labs.) which had been directed into wartime Radar research work.  Despite this background, EECo was happy to see all the Radar work concentrated and grow in MWT. (See: W.J. Baker - Ch.39)

When, in 1948, the Government realised that there was an urgent need to re-establish the UK Radar defence system of the UK, with performance improvements, it was essential for them to turn to Industry as the large majority of Radar experienced people were, by then, in Industrial firms (the Radar experienced Staff in the combination of EECo and MWT was significant).  In short, this resulted in them turning to MWT to augment the very limited resource in TRE.  A major Study Contract was placed with the Marconi Co. under Dr E. Eastwood, who had been transferred from English Electric to MWT. The final Study Report, issued on 29th April 1949, recommended a multi-stage programme (See Chapter II p.48/50 ‘The required new Radars’ and Appendix G of “Watching the Skies” - J. Gough -HMSO)

[NOTE:- Dr Eric Eastwood (later Sir Eric E.) - who had returned to EECo, from advisory service to the HMG and the RAF, and then transferred to MWT as Deputy Chief of Research of the Marconi Research Labs. at Great Baddow. 1950 he became Chief of Research - later 1962(?)  MWT Director of Research and then, after the GEC-EEC merger, Director of Research for the whole of the GEC Group.]

The Eastwood Study Report included eight particularly important recommendations which were to have a dramatic impact on the radars and business within Marconi’s.

As far as I can recall these were:-
1)  That, rather than just re-engineering the Type 7 (1.5m wavelength = 200 MHz.) equipment it was recommended that it should have a completely  revised antenna and be equipped with an entirely new transmitter of at least ten times the power of the wartime unit (less than 40kW. increased to 400kW. or more).
2)  That the static Type 13s & 14s should be re-engineered with a new turning equipment, hydrogen thyratron modulator and improved receiver and duplexing sub-system and  antennae.
3)  That larger, more flexible and more comprehensive displays with improved brilliance and persistence should be developed immediately. That a second phase should be put in hand, as soon as possible, to develop a system of fixed coil displays capable of comprehensive inter trace marking to permit console to console target indication and to permit simultaneous display of radar data from more than one radar head. The ultimate aim being simultaneous display of geographically displaced Radar heads and the addition of on screen data provision.
4)  That the re-engineering of the war time coherent 600MHz (or 50cm band) Type 11  should be completed with a new high power transmitter and that it should be equipped with M.T.I. (Moving Target Indication - the signal processing system which was intended to cancel out all radar returns which did not have the characteristics of a moving aircraft - this type of processing had been started by TRE during the war.)
5)  That the development of equipment to exploit the additional radar frequency band of 1215 to 1365 MHz. (often referred to as “the 23cm band” but formally designated L-Band - later NATO designated D-Band) should be commenced.
6)  That Study work should be started with the aim of finding a means of exploiting the jamming signal to accurately locate the plan position and plot the energy source.
7)  That, in view of the UK experience of the German V2 and the fact that some German rocket experts had been taken to Russia, serious consideration to the defences required to deal with the ICBM.  Under this heading it was proposed that the 400MHz frequency should be studied for ICBM tracking.
8)  That the development of a static Type 14 replacement with a much larger antennae and a much higher power transmitter should be put in hand as soon as resources became available.

The Contract that was placed ( March or early April 1949) was for re-engineering of the mobile radars AMES Types 13, 14 and 15 (a mobile version of Type 7), complete with a new mobile display and information handling system (The system designated AMES Types 21 & 22 convoys). This to be carried out, and taken through to full production (a total of over 1000 complete radars !), on a crash time scale. This Contract was code named Project VAST. The design aims set-out for the re-engineering of the radars, by the Ministry, were based on a Draft of the Study Report part made available in (about) January 1949.

In the autumn of 1949 a further Contact was placed on MWT to implement most of the recommendations, in part or in full, of the April Study Report under the code name ROTOR using as much of the VAST equipment as possible for the early stages of the static installations.  This to fulfill the appropriate aspects defined in the April Report (i.e. Types 13 & 14 but without the mobile aspects plus the Transmitters & Receivers of the Type 15 for static application in the improved Type 7).

[NOTE:- While Jack Gough’s “Watching the Skies” contains a very great deal of the history of the period comprehensively, unfortunately the book also contains many errors and omissions.  These include the statement that the first major implemented Contract was for the static radars of ROTOR. This was not the case as HMG placed the priority on mobile radars and the first implementation Contract placed on MWT was code named VAST.  However, the ROTOR Contract followed months later and this, while in line with Study recommendations, was based in many respects on the adaptation of the equipment already well under Development for VAST. However, the “Technical improvements to the radars”  given in Appendix G are materially correct for Types 13 and 14 - (the new Tx.s were  500 KW peak at 2 microseconds. 250 or 500 prf.) and Type 7  (Tx. at 450 KW peak at 5 microseconds pulse at 250 prf. - Rx. nf. = 7-8dbs) {All achieved by the electronics being developed for the Type 15 system} -  The Study Report specifications, for all the electronic of the Sensors, were met in full.]

[Addendum
An addition to the history on VAST & ROTOR.
 
Because of the considerable magnitude of the task it was necessary to break down the work to fulfil the appropriate aspects defined in the April Report. The work within MWT was divided approximately as follows:-  (Eastwood Report)
Items 1 to RDG  but  New antennae by Marconi Research (MR).
     “   2     RDG.
     “   3     Phase 1 = RDG,  Phase 2 = MR.
     “   4     New 400-500 Kw. Tx and Rx and M.T.I system = RDG, Antennae = MR.
      “   5    Initially = MR, Later transferred to RGD.
     “   6     MR.
     “   7     MR.
     “   8     MR.
As explained earlier, RDG was a new Group set up in 1949.  After a few months it was moved to a separate, newly purpose refurbished, site at Broomfield on the outskirts of Chelmsford  while Marconi Research was on the other side of Chelmsford at Great Baddow.

MWT was specified as the Prime Contractor for all the work involved to implement V&R.  However, because of the very considerable resources required to implement the programme it was a proposed that the production should be shared around British Industry. Eventually over 100 firms (large and small) were involved with the final systems being brought together and proved by MWT.]

By 1952 complete Type 13s and 14s were in production any full equipment on trial with the RAF.

During the WWII period MWT had manufactured a small number of Radar transmitters for the Royal Navy. These were for the 60 MHz Type 960 (the first mast head surveillance radar fitted to capital ships) In 1950 MWT received, from the RN, a request to supply further updated but restricted copies of the system for installation on ships export. This was implemented, but I do not recollect how many systems were sold - probably only 2 or 3.

A strange item in 1953 was that MWT were asked to take on a special investigation (Project Green Stymie) into the possibility of modifying a Type 13 height finding Radar, to include a ‘burn through’ voice communication link by frequency-modulated of a high frequency prf mode.  This was achieved and operational trials carried out successfully, however, the scheme was never adopted for ‘in Service’ use, as other techniques were emerging.

By 1952 Type 7 & 15 transmitters, duplexer & receiver systems were in production and installations of complete Type 7 systems were in hand.  The Antennae, which had been designed by the Antennae Research Group at Baddow were also nearing completion (good picture of finished installed T.7 system in RS & JWS paper). The first was installed at RAF Bawdsey

About this time a Co. sponsored development (PV = Private Venture)) Naval version of this transmitter complete with duplexer & receiver SR900 and a new Naval antennae were developed. only about 5 were manufactured and sold to overseas customers.   However, this was a key step with the relations with the Royal Navy

This new transmitter was important not only because it incorporated a number of new technical developments, which were subsequently exploited in other equipment developments, but  also because it became the base from which other Company sponsored ( usually referred to as: Private Venture = PV) radars grew.

The first of these PV designs was the SR900 System, a simple conversion of the Type 7 200MHz transmitter into a form that was suitable for Naval installation and was sold overseas. This in turn became the trigger for Admiralty Surface Weapon Establishment (ASWE) to approach the Company with the proposal that a re-engineered and improved version of the SR900 transmitter, incorporating the radar receiver, be developed, under their sponsorship, for use on Royal Navy ships. This, together with a new purpose designed antenna, became  the Naval 965 radar which was fitted to most  ships of Corvette size and larger of the Royal Navy and many other overseas Navies. This equipment remained in service with the Royal Navy until the late 1980s and with overseas Navies until well into the 1990s.

The second PV evolution from the Type 7 transmitter was a major redesign to an equipment operating in the 3000 MHz. band (S-Band), designated the SR800, where the 200MHz portion of the Type 7 was replaced with an 850 kW magnetron together with an updated microwave receiver system. This was the transmitter/receiver of the radar Type S233 which was one of the first Civil Aviation radars exported by the Company. It was also purchased by the British Government for both civil and military applications.

In 1952, ASWE placed a contract with the Company to develop (S-band) the multi-magnetron 3000MHz  transmitter/receiver system of the Type 984. This was the stacked beam 3-D radar (three dimensional radar i.e. a radar which provides aircraft location plots, not only as plan position, but also with heights data added) for providing the radar cover from British aircraft carriers. This incorporated four 2 megawatt magnetrons of an entirely new type (developed and manufactured by the R.N. Services Equipment Research Laboratory {SERL}). Five of these systems were built and went into service.

In 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed. In 1950/51,  NATO started to develop substance and International Working Groups were formed. It soon became apparent to their planners that, if NATO was to have meaning, Western Europe had to have a comprehensive and co-ordinated air defence system stretching from Norway in the North to Turkey in the South. As a consequence, a number of studies were put in hand within NATO. These involved dialogue between NATO staff and a number of National Contractors. As a result of the Company involvement with NATO technical Groups and other international contractors during 1952, it became clear that there was a very large market developing for new radars and advanced data handling systems. However, it was also recognised by the Company that, by this time, there was considerable competition from the Industries of other NATO Countries and that, to be in a position to compete, the Company needed new equipment designs in its catalogue.

As the NATO requirements hardened into firm system specifications, it became quite clear that major system solutions from a single Country, let alone a single Company, would not be acceptable. So the Marconi Company went into partnership with CSF of France and formed a Consortium to respond to the  NATO Specifications.

In 1953/4, Company funded studies concluded that it was essential to have a new high power surveillance radar and a long range height finding radar of greater accuracy than was at that time available. Hardware studies concluded that new antennae, pedestals and transmitter/receivers together with the latest display and data handling were essential, if the Company was to succeed in the international market.

The outcome of these studies was the Company PV sponsorship of all the major components, both mechanical and electronic, that were needed for the new systems. The experience of developing the SR800, SR900 and the Naval Type 984, together with a number of new special power tubes developed by the English Electric Valve Company (including a revised and up-rated version of the SERL magnetron), were exploited in the PV development of the SR1000 high power transmitter/receiver. This design went into pre-production in the Factory in June 1956. The first of this small batch was rushed through to completion for the British Ministries for installation in Cyprus (under code name JEROME) and the remaining units went for export to Sweden where long term collaboration with the Royal Swedish Air Board was developing.

The Eastwood Study Report recommended (refer 4 above) that the frequency band of 1215-1365MHz. (L-Band) should be exploited for military surveillance. This resulted in a Ministry contract on the Company to set up a research project with the aim of producing a high power long range surveillance system, operating in this frequency band.  It was the intention that this should be a fully coherent system and equipped with improved coherent MTI.  The first experimental equipment was established on a site near Writtle, the transmitter of which exploited VHF valve technology, while a new high power klystron was being developed at EMI. During 1953/4 an entirely new experimental L-Band radar station was established, on Bushy Hill, 1 mile north of South Woodham Ferrers. This station was equipped with a 70 foot antenna fed from a transmitter based on the new experimental klystron and with complete display facilities exploiting the latest versions of the fixed coil displays equipped with inter trace marking.

By the end of 1954, the advantages of operating in L-Band had been well established. As a result of this, the Company decided it should sponsor a second channel for the new PV surveillance radar, so that it would be possible to offer to NATO, and other selected potential overseas customers, a major back-to-back (S-Band & L-Band) long range surveillance radar system.

By 1955, the Company had put in hand PV sponsored development of all the necessary components, both electronic and mechanical, for S247 back-to-back surveillance radar (two antennae 45 feet horizontally by 18 feet vertically) and the complimentary long range mechanically scanned height finding radar S244 (antenna 40 feet vertically by 8 feet horizontally - capable of measuring the height of up to 16 aircraft a minute and out to a range of more than 200 miles).

To power the new L-Band channel, a new compact transmitter/receiver was required. This PV sponsored transmitter/receiver, the SR1030, was to the same outline design as the SR1000 but used a new range of power tubes, specially developed and manufactured by the English Electric Valve Company for this Company equipment.  The design of the SR1030 was completed by 1957 and, again, the first pre-production model was purchased by the British Ministries for deployment, as the main sensors backed up by an S-Band S233, on a special overseas project in the Pacific region (code name GRAPPLE-X.)

During  the period discussed above, the subject of display and data handling was not neglected. All the recommendations of the Eastwood Study Report (item 2 above) were actioned. Firstly, much improved moving coil displays with larger and brighter display tubes using better working colours and more persistent and flashless afterglow phosphors, were developed and brought into service. However, by 1952/3, all the emphasis was on the full development of a complete system of fixed coil displays, including inter-trace marking between displaced consuls, for the ROTOR stations.

At first, the fixed coil display systems, provided by the Company, were exclusive to the R.A.F.    However, in 1954 the Government granted permission for the sale of  this type of equipment to NATO countries for defence and, a little later in suitably modified form, to civil Air Traffic Control authorities.

NATO.
Marconi's first major radar involvement with NATO commenced 1957 when the MWTs Radar Division was appointed Prime Contractor, with CSF of France as supporting partner, for the supply and installation of the complete NATO early warning radar system. This system covered 17 sites, stretching from north Norway to eastern Turkey.

Five of the sites were Norwegian and were fully equipped with S247/S266 (45 ft S&L band surveillance) and S244 (40 ft heightfinder) radars. Four of the five sites had two S244s. All sites were fitted with a full complement of radar and operations room equipment. Two of the sites, Skjerstad and Sorreisa - an initial Norway host-country buy but later funded by NATO - were designated as CRC (control reporting centres), while the other three - Honningsvaag, Os and Makeroy - were known as HPRP (high power reporting post).

The remaining 12 sites were installed in the HPRP role: two in Denmark (Bornholm and Faeroes), one in Germany (Burglengenfeld), two in Italy (Lame and Mt Lacotenente), three in Greece (Komotini, Zeros and Vitsi), four in Turkey (Bartin, Pazar, Persembe and Mardin). These were combined Marconi/CSF sites, with CSF surveillance heads RV377 powered by CSF S band and Marconi L band electronics; the Marconi S244 heightfinder powered by CSF S band; MTI was supplied by CSF and the operations room equipment entirely by Marconi.

Incidentally, the 100 plus radar displays for each of these composite southern sites were manufactured to Chelmsford design and drawings by the then recently acquired Marconi Italiana, one of the first "off-shore" manufacture of our radar equipment.

All except two sites were flight tested and handed over to NATO/Host Country by the end of 1964. Mardin followed in Feb 1965, while Vitsi was delayed until summer 1967 due to the host­ Country civil engineering changes, requiring additional design and manufacture of remoting equipment.

One of the major items of the subsequent  NATO  NADGE project was related to early warning improvements, which added to, and updated, the majority of these stations, so that they could be fully integrated into NADGE data handling system, as well as improving overall performance. Also part of the NADGE project was that these sites were also supplemented by 14 additional Marconi height­finder radars, type S269 a re-engineered version of the twenty-one S244 height­ finder radars supplied under the NATO early warning programme.

The effectiveness of these early installations is reflected in the fact that much of this original equipment was still in full operational service in 1992, some three decades later and being supported by the supply of spares and repairs to sub-units by Marconi and CSF.

When I joined Marconi, the thing that impressed me from the start was the very considerable number of very knowledgeable and experienced Engineers etc. and the very open way they were all so very willing to advise and help a new comer.

Continuation
As stated previously MWT had been commissioned during WWII, on behalf of the Royal Navy to manufacture the 960 60MHz radar transmitters.  In 1949 (not 1950 as stated previously) the Co. manufactured a small number of the these to operate with antennae, designed by ASWE, for fitting to ships to be supplied through the Ministry of Supply for delivery to selected overseas customer(s).

In about 1950/1 the Ministry & RAF priorities changed (see J. Gough - W.t.Skies) and their requirement for the 600MHz Type 11 was dropped.  However, considerable interest had been developing in the use of this frequency band for Civil Air Traffic Control (ATC).  In 1951(?), it was decided by MWT, despite shortage of resources, to put the wartime design of the Type 11 transmitter and MTI system, into small scale production, together with a new, Co. sponsored development (PV = Private Venture) receiver system and 30ft purpose designed antenna.  The system was designated S232 and a number of these systems were sold to the British CAA and the Ministries for GCA at various airfields. Later many of these systems were  retrofitted with new larger antennae, new high power klystron transmitters (400Kw peak) and modern MTI systems. New systems supplied with the larger 49ft antennae were designated S264 and later with a 70ft antenna as the S270.  I understand that, of the 55 systems sold, there are still a number of these up-dated systems still in use today. (see also ‘RS & JWS’ paper)

In 1952 Naval interest was developing in the use of the 200MHz band. As a result an MWT PV sponsored development of a Naval version of Type 7/15 transmitter complete with duplexer & receiver (strengthened to meet ship environmental standards), was implemented under the Type No. SR900 and a new Naval antenna was developed.  Only about 5 of these systems, designation SNW20s, were manufactured and sold to overseas customers.   However, this was a key step with the relations with the Royal Navy (RN) who found the concept very attractive and placed a Contract on MWT for RDG to develop a specific improved version of the SR900 for use with a new SWRE designed antenna for Royal Naval Corvettes and Destroyers. This system, RN Type 965, was extremely successful and a large number of systems were sold to the RN and later to overseas customers. The type 965 systems were in service with the RN from about 1955 until 1980s.

Also in 1952 it became clear that there was a desperate need for an improved S Band (3000MHz = 10cm wavelength) Transmitter/receiver system to meet NATO and other overseas demands (e.g. Sweden), Development resources were very stretched and therefore MWT PV sponsored a further interim development of the Type 7/15 equipment to the SR800 Transceiver, consisting of an 850 Kw peak power with the latest Type 14 duplexer & receiver system, for use with a new 32ft antenna.  This system was designated  S233, only a small number of these were sold as they were shortly overtaken by the SR1000 and the S247s & S266s (covered below or earlier). However, 3 of a Naval version of this equipment, the SNW10 system, were supplied to an overseas customer and saw long service.

To also meet overseas demand, a tracking radar for gun control was required, this lead in 1953 to the PV development of a small naval tracker.  This radar achieved the tracking sense by  static split in both planes and was extremely accurate.  This also attracted the notice of ASWE and the  Royal Navy.  While they did not procure any of these tracking radars it influenced their choice in favour of MWT for later work.

In 1952/3, ASWE placed a contract with the Company to develop the multi-magnetron 3000MHz (S-band) transmitter/receiver system of the Type 984. This was the stacked beam 3-D radar (three dimensional radar) for providing the radar cover from British aircraft carriers. This incorporated four 2.5 megawatt magnetrons (developed and manufactured by the R.N. Services Equipment Research Laboratory {SERL}). Five of these systems were built and went into service.

By 1953 an urgent need to develop a new range of PV high performance equipment, to face the emerging requirements of NATO and elsewhere emerged. Extensive discussions were had with the Technical representatives of some of the NATO countries and the appropriate British Government technical Establishments. By the beginning of 1954 MWT committed the funds for the largest PV programme in the history of the Co. To develop a Series of surveillance Radars in S-Band (3000MHz) & L-Band (1300MHz = 23cm wl) and a large high power S-Band height finding radar.  This programme included:-

1.  The SR1000 & SR1030 Transmitter/Receivers - as described in “P. H. P. R. Transceivers”.
2.  The 45 X 18 feet, single curvature, antennae, suitable for being fitted with either S-Band or L-Band feeds also capable of being mounted separately or back-to-back. (parts of the S247, S266 and later S631 {See D.K. Barton November 1978 Microwave Journal})
3.  The 40 X 8 feet Single curvature nodding height finding S-Band antenna, with hydraulic drive system capable of total angular rate and position control.
4.  The pedestal to carry any of these antennae systems with complete servo control to permit speed and position control.
5.  A full Height-finder management system to facilitate taking 12 random heights per minute, a volumetric scan mode and a burn through mode. - (part of the S244 system). Later improved version 16 heights per minute (S269 system)
6.  The necessary display and data handling system (fixed coil displays) to fully exploit these radars (separately or in combination).

The NATO installations of the resultant installations have already been covered.  However, these systems were also sold to other overseas customers and to the British Government (for the RAF).    

The first SR1000 (ref.:-‘PHPR Transceivers’) was put on show at the Farnborough Air Show in September 1956, which generated considerable interest with HMG representatives, NATO and Foreign visitors. The first production run was committed in June 1956 and had just started, at this time (including 3 for Sweden).  As a result of an extremely urgent order from the British Ministries the first of this batch was rushed through to completion for an urgent installation in Cyprus, feeding a Type 82 antenna provided by AEI (This urgent project, under code name JEROME, was completed in 9 weeks to final hand-over to the RAF).

One side issue, which came out of a demonstration, of MWT equipment in 1957, to NATO, was a request by the Royal Canadian Air Force to see if it was possible to fit the SR1000 transmitter magnetron to their FPS6 height finding radars, as the original magnetron fitted (Raytheon QK338) only lasted for tens of hours and was very expensive. It was agreed that the Company would investigate and make proposals. The outcome of this was, after a very successful trial at the RCAF at Metz in France,  an order to replace the final stages of the modulator and transmitter of the FPS6s using SR1000 components. This retrofit, designated the SR1050, was purchased by the Canadian Air Force for all their FPS6s, including  21 for the Mid-Canada Line and the Pine Tree Line - the North American radar defence scheme. These were manufactured and installed by the Canadian Marconi Co. Other users of the FPS6s, including the Royal Air Force, also purchased a number of these retrofits.

After further extensive and successful trials at the Rome ADC, NY State, the USAF wished to also purchase this retrofit to some of their 100+ systems. However, the FPS6 was then suddenly declared obsolescent so that no retrofit was permissible - FPS6 continued in USAF service for a further 15 years with QK338 magnetrons !

As part of the British Plan for defence of the UK against ballistic missile attack, early in 1954 the Ministry placed a Contracts with MWT for the design of an ABM early warning radar, for active defence against 500 to 5,000n. miles range missiles.  This work was placed with Marconi Research. In 1957 this was modified to a requirement for a decoy discrimination radar (i.e. the ability to sort out the 0.1sq.m. warhead when surrounded by decoys). The proposed radar was to operate in the 400MHz. Band with an antenna of 80ft. diameter.  The transmitter was to have a peak power of 100MW and 100KW mean (100MW peak, not 100KW as in stated in W t S - J. Gough!). In 1960 the Contract was terminated except for the Transmitter, which was being developed around a very large TWT (travelling wave tube) being developed by SERL. This Transmitter was completed successfully in 1961/2 and run at full power for just 5 or 6 hours and then abandoned! [For further detail see “W t S” J. Gough  -  p.197 to  202  - However, some of the detail is suspect. e.g. 100KW > 100MW & Klystron > TWT etc.]

The first SR1030 (ref.:-‘PHPR Transceivers’) was completed by early 1957 and, again, the first of a pre-production batch was purchased by the British Ministries for an urgent deployment, as the main sensors operating backed up by an S-Band S233, on a special overseas project in the Pacific region (code name GRAPPLE-X.). This was an urgent project to be completed and flight tested within 4 months (including shipping!). This was completed on time.

The SR1030 was put on show in September 1957, which also generated further considerable interest with NATO and other HMG representatives.  This resulted in urgent discussion with the Ministry representatives on the possibility of developing a mobile air transportable back-to-back system exploiting the technology etc. of the SR1000 & SR1030 for the Army.  MWT were, almost immediately, given an urgent Study Contract for proposals for this and to make proposals, with time and cost estimates, for the development along the same lines applying the same approach to achieve an air transportable, C-Band, high data rate, height-finding radar.  These radars were required for the proposed VR725 complex which was to provide the ground environment for the Thunderbird missile, at that time nearing completion of development proving trials for the Army.

The Study was completed late 1957 and a contract for the development of the surveillance system placed, with RDG in  (correction = ) early 1958.  The Display and Data handling system was placed with Ferranti Int. as the Army thought very highly of their Military Computers.  The Tracker illuminator radar had already been under development for some long time as part of the development of Thunderbird II missile. The whole system was given the code name "Green Ginger".
 
A Development Contract was placed on MWT for the Frequency diversity C-Band, high data rate, height-finding radar (15 random heights, over 360 degrees, p/m.), for the Green Ginger System, in 1959.
 
Both these equipment’s went, after firing trials, into service with the British Army VR725 Thunderbird II missile complex in 1963.However, these were later transferred to the RAF, as mobile reserves in the UK Air Defence Ground Environment, and were re-designated Types 88 &  89 respectively.  These equipments were also sold and deployed overseas in limited numbers, complete with  Marconi display and data handling systems built into vehicles as mobile defence systems. [For further comments on “Green Ginger” equipment’s and a picture of the deployed surveillance system, see RWS & JWS 1998 paper]

In early 1958 MWT was asked, by the Ministry of Supply and the RAF, if it was possible, “IN JUST 6 to 8 WEEKS”!, to modified a Ministry/RAF mobile Type14 by incorporating a completely reconfigured SR1000 Transceiver in its cabin and design, manufacture and fit a new 50% larger antenna, the whole reconfigured equipment also to fit into a standard C130 transport aircraft. Further, to reconfigure a standard Ministry/RAF Type 13 to also fit into a C130 to go with it. A Contract was placed in one week. The finished equipment was achieved and was shipped into service with the RAF in under 8 weeks! ( This involved 18 hour days and a real piece of the War-time spirit by ever person involved !!)

Also later in 1958, the Ministry/RAF asked MWT/RDG for a further little miracle. The programme being carried out by Marconi Research to achieve a high power klystron coherent transmitter L-Band transmitter was making no progress, due to the inadequacies of the high power klystron being developed by EMI. RDG was asked if it was possible to develop a much higher powered SR1030 capable of being a stand-in transmitter for the planned new Type 84 L-Band radar for the RAF.

It so happened that at that time RGD were carrying out a study, planning the PV future developments from the SR1000 & SR1030. To this end they were in discussion with the English Electric Valve Co.(EEV.)  {who were the main vacuum tube suppliers for both SR1000 & SR1030:- see note} concerning possible future PV developments of Klystrons, TWTs & more powerful Magnetrons etc.
 
The Ministry request was put to EEV who proposed manufacturing an L-Band version of the long anode block Magnetron (For detail see PHPR Transceivers - para.2 p.4) as they thought that this could produce 5 to 10 MW peak power with pulse widths up to 20 microseconds and deliver 30 to 50KW mean power. They also thought it would not be too difficult to manufacture and said that if the M.o.S. were interested they could try producing a sample experimental tube.  The RAF representatives were very keen to see this go ahead.

 
There was a NATO exercise due later in the year and it was suggested that if EEV should manufacture a sample Magnetron and MWT lash up an experimental transmitter to feed the large L-Band antenna at the Bushy Hill test site, the  result could be evaluated during the Exercise very quickly.  This was achieved, the experimental equipment with the only existing Magnetron of its type in existence  (the first experimental prototype of what became the production M565, 5-6MW, 30KW, Magnetron), ran at 6MW 10 microsecond 250pps, non-stop throughout the 3 day exercise - the result were good ! (There is a video tape including some of the time-lapse film record of the exercise)  Shortly after the M.o.S. contracted MWT for full development of the Type 84 (L-Band = 1215 to 1365 MHz.) system, and five production systems.
 
The Research Contract on exploiting L-Band was cancelled. However, the sponsorship of the Bushey Hill installation continued for the Type 84.

The first of production system was handed over to the RAF, after installation at RAF Bawdsey, in October 1962.

 [It should be noted that there are a number of deviations in the above to the content of both Watching the Skies by J.Gough and the paper by RWS & JWS !! I know the above version is correct!]

Quite a good picture of a Type 84 installation is included in RWS & JWS – ‘GEC Review’ paper.  However, the words are all wrong. e.g. ‘the technology acquired (by Research) at Bushy Hill enabled development to make a flying start’  not so! It was all ex-SR1030.

[HISTORY NOTE: English Electric Valve Co. -- During WWII, at the request of HMG, Marconi Research set up a special ‘secure’ valve Development Group to find ways of producing the early Magnetons in quantity (see:- J. W. Baker’s History). This Group, later, became a separate off-shoot of Marconi. After the War this was established as a separate Company, in Chelmsford  =  The English Electric Valve Co. (EEV) retaining most of the Marconi staff involved during the war.  Not surprisingly, the relationship between the Companies remained very close and may new developments were carried out almost as joint ventures with extremely close collaboration.]

In early 1958, partly as a result of the cancellation of the L-Band Research contract and partly as a result of the run down on the DDR research contract (mentioned previously), Marconi Research was very short of work while RDG was seriously overloaded. To alleviate this all the work on 600 MHz. (including the work on MTI) was transferred to Research and the rest of S264 story up until about 1963 is covered in the Baker History.

This transfer of work did not satisfy the ambitions of  Dr E. Eastwood (later Sir E.E.) who wished to take over RDG entirely.   An internal battle ensued which Wassell lost and in 1959 RDG (without Wassell, who became Director of Production) was absorbed into Research.  Despite the heavy load on RDG, all the people and work was transferred to the Great  Baddow site and absorbed into the Research organisation.  This despite the work on “Project Samore” (the high power Type 14 based on the SR1000), the early work on Green Ginger and the Type 84.

It is worth mentioning that the PX430 Study, which resulted in the very successful Seawolf – GWS25 Royal Navy anti-missile missile system, was also Contracted and started, by the newly combined resources, at the end of 1959.

I have not made more than a passing reference to the Display and Data Handling in my writings. This is because the writings by RWS in the RWS & JWS, ‘GEC review’ paper, very adequately covers the subject of Fixed Coil displays with their full inter-trace marking facilities and in view of the fact that this was the discipline where RWS was involved up until 1965, it is likely that it is more comprehensive.

I have also left out the subject of the early work on Passive Detection as I was only very remotely involved while both JWS and RWS worked on it.  JWS was on the Project Management side and RWS on the development of the Data Handling and Display system for PD.  Again this is covered in their Paper.

You may find it strange that my version of some of the history is different to that of Baker and RWS-JWS.  I think that this arises from the different backgrounds. W.J.Baker (1939?-66), RWS (1943-65) and JWS (1954-62)  were all members of Research. I was RDG 1949-59, when I was absorbed into Research. (where I remained until the 1965  Company re-organisation).  There is no doubt that there was some jealousy in the Research fraternity of the frequent successes of RDG, and I think this still shows though in some written work – of course I may be said to be biased, even though I worked very happily with RWS from 1965 until my retirement in 1986 and JWS 1965-82 when he moved away.

I should just mention three quite important facts on the Co. organisation of the period, which had effect on many actions at the time:-    
1) The MWT was organised into Divisions which included Services Equipment Division (SED) [later to become Radar Division], Field Services Division (FSD) and Development Division (which included RDG under Wassell). Marconi College, Marconi Research and Production Division were quite separate, almost like independent subsidiary Firms, this did at times lead to competition and some conflict. However, I don't think this had a serious effect before 1959 when Research managed to take over RDG which was a bit of a bloody time (serious conflict Research v. SED & DD)!!.    
2) FSD was a truly remarkable organisation which took on all the Radar Installation work, World wide, and as far as I can remember, were never in any material conflict with any of the other Units. They took on Herculean tasks and almost always succeeded - Excellent co-op with RDG & v-a-v.    
3) Marconi College (formed in the earliest years of Marconi Co.) was most important in training Customers and FSD Staff (incl. Royal Navy, Army & RAF and of course overseas) in the mysteries of the radar products they were about to receive. The cooperation all round   was always extremely good. In fact I do not know how we could have managed without them (even though RDG etc. had to first instruct their Staff.)
 
[In passing, RDG and Research Staff provided many visiting Lecturers to many British Universities]

Relations between Radar Division (SED), Development Division (incl. RDG), FSD & Production Division were always extremely close. Production 1950-65, almost always very slick - but of course there were some cock-ups !    

E-R

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