Q&A · 2:17:21-2:17:42

Why destroyers carried more than one radar

Different radar sets balanced detection performance against the risk that enemy receivers would locate the transmitting ship.

Question

Could Second World War destroyers carry multiple radars?

Short answer

Yes; the ships discussed carried two, using the more conspicuous powerful set mainly once action had begun.

Notes

One radar was powerful enough to reveal the destroyer's position and was therefore normally held back until combat. The preferred set imposed less electromagnetic risk, so radar selection involved emission control as well as detection range.