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2024-04-24 05:10:27

Robert Watson-Watt

British pioneer of radar technology
British pioneer of radar technology
Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Watt was a British scientist who pioneered radar technology. He developed the high-frequency direction finding system and led the development of Chain Home radar system, crucial in World War II.
1398
Birth of Robert Watson-Watt
Robert Watson-Watt, the pioneer of radar technology, was born in 1398 in Union Street, Brechin.
1892-04-13
Birth of Robert Watson-Watt
Robert Watson-Watt, the pioneer of radar technology, was born in Brechin, Scotland. He later became instrumental in the development of radar systems during World War II.
1912
Robert Watson-Watt Graduates with BSc in Engineering
In 1912, Robert Watson-Watt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. This educational achievement laid the foundation for his future contributions in the field of radio technology.
1915
Robert Watson-Watt joins Meteorological Office as a meteorologist
In 1915, Robert Watson-Watt started his professional career as a meteorologist at the Meteorological Office. He later became known for his work in developing radar technology.
1916
Invention of using cathode ray oscilloscope in aircraft
In 1916, Robert Watson-Watt came up with the idea of utilizing a cathode ray oscilloscope in aircraft to measure and display electrical signals. However, this concept was not put into practice until 1923.
1923
Invention of Rotating Directional Antennas for Detecting Thunderstorms
In 1923, Robert Watson-Watt invented rotating directional antennas to detect thunderstorms. By using oscilloscopes to display the output of the antennas, operators could pinpoint the direction of storms by looking for 'spikes' caused by lightning.
1924
Relocation to Ditton Park research centre
In 1924, Robert Watson-Watt moved from Farnborough to work at the newly established research centre at Ditton Park near Slough. This research center later merged with the National Physical Laboratory, where Watson-Watt led the Radio Department in Teddington, Middlesex.
1926
Development of Lightning Detection System
In 1926, Watson-Watt's new lightning detection system, utilizing Adcock antenna and WE-224 oscilloscope, was being used and extensively documented.
1927
Formation of Radio Research Station
In 1927, the Met and NPL radio teams were combined to establish the Radio Research Station with Watson-Watt as the director. The teams conducted research on the causes of 'static' radio signals and discovered the reflection of distant signals off the upper atmosphere, providing evidence for the existence of the Heaviside layer.
1933
Reorganization of Radio Department at NPL
In 1933, after a reorganization, Watson-Watt became the Superintendent of the Radio Department at NPL in Teddington. This marked a significant development in his career and contributions to the field of radio research.
1934
Robert Watson-Watt becomes head of the Radio Research Department
By 1934, Robert Watson-Watt had advanced in his career and assumed the position of the head of the Radio Research Department. This position signified his growing influence and expertise in the field.
1935-02-12
Initial Response from Watson-Watt on Radar Proposal
On February 12, 1935, Watson-Watt, the country's radio-wave expert, responded to the Tizard committee's inquiry about using radio waves for detecting enemy planes. He proposed the concept of bouncing radio waves off aircraft metal hulls to detect their presence, laying the groundwork for radar technology.
1935-02-26
Demonstration of Radar Technology
On February 26, 1935, Roberts Watson Watt and Arnold Wilkins demonstrated the concept of detecting aircraft by bouncing radio waves off them in a field in Warwickshire, UK. This demonstration eventually led to the development of radar technology, which played a crucial role in the defense of Britain during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
1935-04-02
Granting of Radar Patent to Robert Watson-Watt
On April 2, 1935, Robert Watson-Watt was granted a patent for radar after conducting research on detecting signals from the nearby BBC radio transmitter reflecting off a circling RAF bomber at ranges of up to 8 miles.
1936
Establishment of Radar Research Station at Bawdsey Manor
In 1936, Robert Watson-Watt established a radar research station at Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk under the Air Ministry. This station played a crucial role in the development of radar technology during the pre-war years.
1937
Chain Home Radar System Established
In 1937, the Chain Home radar system was established to improve the interception of approaching bombers. This system involved sending all reports to a central map room for better coordination with intercepting fighters.
1938-09
Chain Home Radar System Begins 24-hour Duty
In September 1938, the first of the Chain Home radars, developed by Robert Watson-Watt, began 24-hour duty, marking a significant advancement in air defense technology.
1939
Expansion of Chain Home stations during World War II
During World War II, an order for 20 more Chain Home stations was placed, with 19 stations operational by the outbreak of war and over 50 built by 1945. The effectiveness of Watson-Watt's new command and control system was proven through tests.
1940
Chain Home System Operational During Battle of Britain
In 1940, the Chain Home system, developed by Robert Watson-Watt and team, was fully operational during the Battle of Britain. This radar system provided early warning to British fighters, allowing them to intercept German bombers before reaching their targets.
1941
Watson-Watt's Contribution to US Air Defences
In 1941, Watson-Watt traveled to the USA to assist in enhancing air defenses following the Pearl Harbor attack.
1942
Knighthood for Watson-Watt
In 1942, Watson-Watt was knighted for his contributions to radar technology and air defense.
1943
Knighted and changed surname to Watson-Watt
In 1943, at the age of 51, Robert Watson-Watt was knighted and changed the form of his surname to Watson-Watt.
1945
Delivery of Royal Institution Christmas Lecture
In 1945, Robert Watson-Watt was invited to deliver the Royal Institution Christmas Lecture on Wireless.
1946
Awarded US Medal for Merit
In 1946, at the age of 54, Robert Watson-Watt was awarded the US Medal for Merit.
1948
Awarded Hughes Medal by the Royal Society
In 1948, at the age of 56, Robert Watson-Watt was awarded the Hughes Medal by the Royal Society.
1949
President of Royal Meteorological Society
In 1949, at the age of 57, Robert Watson-Watt became the President of the Royal Meteorological Society.
1950
Publication of 'Philosophers of War: The Evolution of History's Greatest Military Thinkers'
The book 'Philosophers of War: The Evolution of History's Greatest Military Thinkers' by Mark Celinscak includes a section on Sir Robert Watson-Watt.
1952
Sir Robert Watson-Watt Awarded by UK Government
In 1952, Sir Robert Watson-Watt was granted £52,000 tax-free by the UK government's Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors for his contributions to the development of RADAR. This recognition highlighted his significant role in advancing technology during wartime.
1956
Robert Watson-Watt's encounter with radar gun technology in Canada
In 1956, while living in Canada, Robert Watson-Watt was pulled over by a police officer for speeding, experiencing the new application of his radar technology in radar guns.
1958
Publication of 'Three Steps to Victory'
In 1958, Robert Watson-Watt published 'Three Steps to Victory', his personal account detailing the development of the radar system.
1966
Marriage to Dame Katheryn Jane Trefusis Forbes
In 1966, at the age of 72, Robert Watson-Watt married his third wife, Dame Katheryn Jane Trefusis Forbes, who was 67 years old.
1971
Death of Dame Katheryn Jane Trefusis Forbes
Dame Katheryn Jane Trefusis Forbes passed away in 1971.
1973-12-05
Death of Robert Watson-Watt
Robert Watson-Watt passed away on December 5, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in radar technology that had a lasting impact on military defense strategies.
2009
Recognition in Public Poll
In a public poll, Robert Watson-Watt was voted as the fourth most popular scientist from the past, showcasing his enduring legacy.
2013
Induction to Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame
In 2013, Robert Watson-Watt was inducted into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame.
2014-09-03
Unveiling of Statue of Robert Watson-Watt
A statue of Robert Watson-Watt was revealed in Brechin on September 3, 2014, by HRH the Princess Royal.
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Robert Watson-Watt

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Robert Watson-Watt

British pioneer of radar technology
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