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Centimetric Radar

Ten centimeter refers to radar with a 10 cm wavelength that can detect objects 10 cm in size with a reasonably-sized antennae. Centimetric radar enables the detection of much smaller objects and the use of much smaller antennas than the earlier, lower frequency, radars. A radar with a wavelength of 2 meters cannot detect objects that are smaller than 2 meters and requires an antennae whose size is about 2 meters, which is not practical for use on aircraft. The invention of the cavity magnetron, a small device that generates high-power microwave frequencies, allowed for smaller and more accurate radar technology that could be mounted on light weight air craft.

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© 2016 The Secrets of Radar Museum

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Disclaimer: The audio files available on this virtual exhibit are the result of a long term oral history interview project conducted by the Secrets of Radar Museum. Sections of these interviews have been compiled here to make them accessible to the general public. Interviews were conducted by different museum staff at different times using different recording devices. As a result, some of the audio clips have background noise or other imperfections. The Secrets of Radar Museum has worked to ensure that the recordings shared here have been refined to increase sound quality and reduce these imperfections, but some recordings will still have flaws due to the limitations of the original audio file. The Secrets of Radar Museum appreciates your understanding in this matter. Please contact us for more information.

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