AIR DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23995, 19 June 1941, Page 9

AIR DEFENCE

PLANES DETECTED CEASELESS GUARD EQUIPPING BRITAIN NEW ZEALAND HELPS By Tolfgraph - Press Association—Copyright (Herd. O.KO p.m.) LONDON, Juno 18 . The evolution of a wireless ray to detect enemy aeroplanes and ships is announced by Air Chief Marshal Sir Philip Joubert, commander-in-chief of the Coastal Command. Known as "radio location," the system was developed by Mr. Robert Alexander Watt, noted Scottish scientist. Sir Philip told the Associated Press that it "'as virtually impossible for a raider to approach Britain without our knowing it. This was owing to the war's best-kept secret—one of the most important developments in our war organisation —namely, radio location. Work in Dominions Australia and New Zealand are already manufacturing equipment and training personnel for its maintenance and repair. It is no new science, but the application to war of known scientific facts. Tile man to first apply these facts to the 'detection of aeroplanes was Mr. llfiiiert. Alexander Watson Watt. He developed the system from meteorological methods. Kadio location was born in March, and a team of brilliant scientists worked on it most secretly until, in the middle of 1 W!>, it emerged as a system for sending out electric or ether waves far beyond our shores. Signals Thrown Back Any solid object in the path of the waves, whether ship or aeroplane, sends back a reflection to the detecting station. 'The system is not affected by fog, cloud or darkness. It keeps up a watch -4 hours every day. Sir Philip Joubert added: "Radio location eliminates the necessity for continuous patrols of fighters, thus

saving petrol, the wear and tear of engines and obviating strain on personnel. . "it is also used by the Navy and Army, but science and manufacture have outstripped personnel. Scientists are constantly evolving improvements. The cleverest radio manufacturers have brought in all their resources and are producing radio locators by mass production. Large Numbers Needed "We have mobilised every available qualified radio mechanic and have extensively used women, but we need immediately for these services 10,000 men and 4600 women. The ultimate need is for about twice that."

In answer to a question,. s Sir Philip said the scientific facts which are the origin of radio location are known throughout the world, for which reason it might be supposed that the Germans have not lagged- behind in its application. but there is no positive evidence of this.

There had been proportionately no increase in the losses of British aircraft over Germany. Our losses were mainly owing-to anti-aircraft fire. There was no evidence that they could be ascribed to German radio location. Effect on Strategy Sir Philip also described the device a* tfie development of a wireless freak as a tactical weapon of war. He said it had already affected air, military and naval war* strategy. It now covered the Whole of Britain, and a staff of several thousand members of the three services was employed in its maintenance. A heavy strain has been thrown ;>n those responsible for providing personnel, the demand for operators exreedirig the number of qualified radio technicians available.

■The first experiments with the system ivcre carried out on an old lorry on a rnuntry road near Daventry. When tvar broke out it was already in a state M" efficiency, and since then its development. had been continuous and rapid. The Associated Press learns that million? of pounds have been spent on radio locators, but the entiro cost has llreadv been saved. The potentialities )f the system are almost unlimited. When radio location is fully applied there need never be another shipwreck ind air travel will- he many times safer than it is now.

A world-famous Scots scientist, Mr. Robert Alexander Watson Watt has been Scientific Adviser on Telecommunications to the Air Ministry since Inst year. Born in 1892, he was educated nt the University College, Dundee, and t 1m- University of St. Andrews. He was lat .-r assistant to the professor of ■i■ i> ,; rs at the University College, 1) and was meteorologist in hj., at the Royal Aircraft Establish|mm 10.17 to 1921. In subsequent !<"M- he held the posts of supcrinten-ili-ct nt the radio research stations of

:i ! Department of Scientific and Jndussal Research, .superintendent of the r;> 11 u i department of the National Piin sicul Laboratory, superintendent of flie Haw dsey Research Station, and Director of Communications Development.

FRENCH IN NORWAY LONDON, June 18 Approximately 11,700 French troops Fere sent to Norway at the time of ilio Nazi invasion, it was stated in the Souse of Commons yesterday, says a Sritish official wirutess ineasnn©.