The emergence of radar in different countries: comparative-historical analysis

Abstract

The subject of this research is the activity of participants of the first radar projects in the pioneer countries (Soviet Union, United States, Great Britain, Germany), aimed at creation of prototype models and improvement of technical characteristics of new equipment. The goal consists in determination of the role of Soviet works in the genesis of radar. The evolutionary process of creation of the first radars, unfolded in the prewar period (1930s), is viewed individually for each country, with identification of differences and similarities. At the time of joining the World War II, all countries were armed with dozens of radars of meter and decimeter wavelength ranges, which were not too distant and accurate. Invention of a powerful multi-resonant magnetron of centimeter wavelength range (" core " of the radar) became a revolutionary event, since the transition to the centimeter range was capable to improve the radar parameters for successful accomplishment of military operations. Special attention is given to the little-known events in the history of this invention. Comparative analysis of the origin of radar in different countries (including foreign research), which was carried out for the first time, proves that the unique construct of the Soviet multi-resonant magnetron Alekseev-Malyarov had a priority, and perhaps, copied by other countries. The research results consists in illustration of the origin of radar overall, and Soviet contribution to the world history of radar in particular. Popularization of national scientific and technological achievements by the mass media, museum and educational activities may become the sphere of application of the obtained knowledge.