5-10 years behind when? The delay will progressively shrink as you move into future, because better available tools will gradually reduce radar R&D costs.Just a simple late night thought. Let's say that Heinrich Hertz for whatever reason doesn't do his critical work on electromagnetic radiation, and the process of developing radar is say, 5-10 years behind.
I can imagine that the consequences would be profound.
5-10 years behind when? The delay will progressively shrink as you move into future, because better available tools will gradually reduce radar R&D costs.
Overall, more drawn-out wars, and better telephone networks are expected. Also, DIY radars will be eventually more common compared to OTL, due to explosive proliferation of radar uses when the radars will be discovered after all.
The only way that is happening is if the RAF is defeated first, as without radar that makes them too ineffectual to really matter. Then the question is whether the British would deal if the RAF is defeated over Britain in 1940 (i.e. had taken crippling losses and had to pull back north of London to recuperate leaving England largely undefended from the air).b) I would think that the RAF is going to pull back north of London, disperse and preserve strength. Invasion would still be problematic but the Germans can cause a lot of damage for a lot less losses. Lots of extra aircraft (hundreds) for Barbarossa and/or the Med.
Graf Spee used its radar to avoid interception on it cruise, might be intercepted here.
Cuts both ways. We are back to eggshells with sledgehammers. At least over England there are some obvious targets and some kind of CAP can be maintained. Then there are the natural modifiers of being over home ground. If nothing else the returning bombers are going to get cut up.The only way that is happening is if the RAF is defeated first, as without radar that makes them too ineffectual to really matter. Then the question is whether the British would deal if the RAF is defeated over Britain in 1940 (i.e. had taken crippling losses and had to pull back north of London to recuperate leaving England largely undefended from the air).
How? The RAF was in a bad way after the huge losses in France (around 1000 aircraft and over 1500 personnel), starting the BoB with fewer fighters and pilots than the Luftwaffe. Maintaining a CAP is going to be impossible and fatal if tried.Cuts both ways. We are back to eggshells with sledgehammers. At least over England there are some obvious targets and some kind of CAP can be maintained. Then there are the natural modifiers of being over home ground. If nothing else the returning bombers are going to get cut up.
Radar was a crucial part of the Dowding System, Britain's highly effective and sophisticated air defence network. This system allowed Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command to respond to incoming German attacks and use its precious resources of pilots and aircraft to the best possible effect.
Radar gave early warning of approaching raids. This information filtered through Fighter Command HQ and was then communicated throughout the defence network. This gave fighter defences vital time to prepare for and intercept the attacks.
What really gave Britain the edge was that Germany failed to recognise how vital radar was to the country’s defence. Although they did attack some stations, only Ventnor on the Isle of Wight was put out of action for any significant period. The Germans never concentrated their efforts on destroying radar stations and so this crucial element of Britain’s air defence remained generally intact throughout the Battle of Britain.
"I think we can say that the Battle of Britain might never have been won... if it were not for the radar chain"
MRAF Sir William Sholto Douglas
Hitler's strategic aerial onslaught, meant to clear the skies over the Channel and southeastern England preparatory to an invasion of the British Isles, might have succeeded if not for radar. The RAF was outnumbered by the Luftwaffe, and radar saved already-stretched Fighter Command from having to maintain constant air surveillance.
With radar providing an early-warning system, well-rested RAF pilots could be scrambled and rising to meet the incoming enemy formations in a matter of minutes. As the German fighters ran low on fuel and were forced to turn back, the Spitfires and Hurricanes could pick off the German bombers as they moved deeper into England.
Radar prototyping work have started in 1935, and first operational models were fielded in 1938.10 years behind the real historical implementation. By 1939 there hasn't been any work done on radio detection systems; at best, some back of the envelope speculations.
Radar prototyping work have started in 1935, and first operational models were fielded in 1938.
Yep...5-10 years behind when? The delay will progressively shrink as you move into future, because better available tools will gradually reduce radar R&D costs.
Overall, more drawn-out wars, and better telephone networks are expected. Also, DIY radars will be eventually more common compared to OTL, due to explosive proliferation of radar uses when the radars will be discovered after all.