Pacific Eagles Database

SCR-540

Based on British AI Mk IV. Manufactured by Western Electric

Device type Air intercept radar
Platform Aircraft
Nation United States
Designer
Manufacturer
Production 580
Wavelength 2m
Frequency 200MHz
Peak power 10000
Pulse rate (PRF)
Antenna
Scope

Images

Douglas P-70

Douglas P-70 night fighter, with SCR-540 aerials clearly visible

SCR-540 radar antennae

This set of three images shows the three types of antennas used on the SCR-540 radar set as installed on an A-20, the P-70 prototype. This was the US copy of the UK's AI Mk. IV radar, the first airborne radar system for fighters, and the second airborne radar to enter service. It is predated only by months by the ASV Mk. I, developed using the same electronics as this set. There is a possibility that this is in fact a "real" AI Mk. IV, and not the -540, as one example is described by Bowen on page 179 of Radar Days as being fit to an A-20 for testing.