Q&A · 51:38-52:43

Did American radar come from Britain?

British and American radar research developed together, offering a possible model for technical cooperation with Japan.

Question

Did the United States get its radar technology from Britain?

Short answer

British research gave American radar development a substantial boost, but the United States already had its own research and useful ideas. Wartime cooperation combined the two programmes.

Notes

British and American radar research developed together during the war, with each country contributing work of its own. In this alternate coalition, Britain would also decide how much research and technology to share with Japan. A level of cooperation comparable to the American relationship could give Japanese radar development a substantial boost. Access to British work and time to expand research infrastructure would help Japan address some of its existing limitations.