(Neptune) was the code name of a series of low-to-mid-VHF band airborne intercept radar devices developed by Germany in World War II and used as active targeting devices in several types of aircraft. They were usually combined with a "backwards warning device", indicated by the addition of the letters "V/R" , meaning Forward/Backward). Working in the metre range, Neptun was meant as a stop-gap until scheduled SHF-band devices became available (for instance the FuG 240/E cavity magnetron-based FuG 240 Berlin AI radar).
Transceiving antennas used for on twin-engined night fighters usually used a (stag's antlers) eight-dipole array with shorter elements than the previous 90 MHz SN-2 radar had used or as an experimental fitment, the 90ð-crossed twin-element set Yagi based single-mast-mounted array.
Variants
FuG 216: Experimental series to plan the further development. Installed in Fw 190 A-6/R11 and Bf 109 G-6 The aircraft were used by NJGr 10 until March 1944, after which some machines of 6./JG 300 () were equipped.
- Manufacturer: (FFO, German for airborne radio research institut in Bavaria)
- R1 version (backwards warning device)
*Frequency: 182MHz
*Power: 1.0kW
*Transmitting and receiving antennas each consist of twin dipoles, mounted under and above the wings, respectively
* Single display device with distance readout
*Frequency: 125MHz
*Power: 1.2kW
*Range: 500 to 3,500m
*Antennas in the form of spikes or (Fw 190) as "antlers" on right and left wings
FuG 217: Installed mainly in Ju 88 G-6, only a few Bf 110 G-4, He 219 or Me 262 received the . It could be combined with the additional device to automatically measure the target distance and fire the guns at a set range.
- Manufacturer: FFO
- R2 version (backward warning device)
- J2 version (for single-engined night fighters)
- V/R (combined night fighter and backward warning device for two-engined fighters)
*Two switchable frequencies: 158 and 187MHz
*Search angle: 120ð
*Range:
*Spike or "antler" antennas
FuG 218: mass-produced
- Manufacturer: Siemens / FFO
- R3 version (backward warning device)
- J3 version (for single-engined night-fighters)
- V/R version (combined night fighter and backward warning device for two-engined fighters)
*Six switchable frequencies: 158 to 187MHz
*Search angle: 120ð
*Range:
*Weight:
*R3 and J3 with spike antennas and V/R with "antler" antennas.
- G/R version (combined night fighter and backward warning device for two-engined fighters)
*Only one single device built, replacing the 2kW transmitter with a 30kW transmitter. Range increased to up to . This device was intended for the Dornier Do 335. "Antler" antennas.
See also
References
- (1) TME 11-219 Directory of German Radar Equipment
- Gebhard Aders: Geschichte der Deutschen Nachtjagd, Motorbuch publishing corporation, 1977,