Derek G3GRO reports a recent interesting QSO with Giles G0NXA during an 80m net during which Giles described the existence of a very interesting and ambitious plan to mark the anniversary in 2010 of the historic “Daventry 4roriginally carried out on 26th of February 1935 by Robert Watson Watt and his technical assistant which in effect marked the birth of the development of radar in the UK which was to play such a vital role in the outcome of World War2.
In the original experiment , the signal from a BBC transmitter at Daventry on HF was used to confirm the presence of an overflying Hayford bomber by detecting reflections from the aircraft thus confirming the basic feasibility of a defence against potential enemy aircraft by a technique which was later to be called RADAR
The proposed modern re-enactment which will take place between 1200hrs and 1400hrs local on 26th February 2010 will involve a flight of 24 private aircraft at 5 minute intervals flying at an altitude depending on the weather of between 2000ft and 4000ft along the original track followed by the Hayford bomber from Borough Hill to Towcester racecourse in Northants. The availability of the aircraft has been arranged by and will be co-ordinated by Giles G0NXA who is himself a pilot and who has already obtained initial agreement in principle from the local Air Traffic Control centres likely to be involved.
A more detailed formal plan is currently being prepared by Giles. The test signals and ground recording equipment are being provided by two local radio clubs. Information on the proposed test frequency and the clubs involved was not given during the QSO. It is a very ambitious plan and it is to be hoped that it will succeed. No doubt that more information will be available later in the columns of Radcom .
73 de, Derek G3GRO.
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