Low-to-mid-VHF band airborne intercept radar devices WWII
Display device of FuG 218 Neptun
Neptun (Neptune) was the code name of a series of low-to-mid-VHF band airborne intercept radar devices developed byGermany inWorld War II and used as active targeting devices in several types ofaircraft. They were usually combined with a"backwards warning device", indicated by the addition of the letters "V/R"Vorwärts/Rückwärts, meaning Forward/Backward). Working in the metre range, Neptun was meant as a stop-gap until scheduledSHF-band devices became available (for instance the FuG 240/Ecavity magnetron-basedFuG 240 Berlin AI radar).[1]
Transceiving antennas used forNeptun on twin-engined night fighters usually used aHirschgeweih (stag's antlers) eight-dipole array with shorter elements than the previous 90 MHzSN-2 radar had used or as an experimental fitment, the 90°-crossed twin-element setYagi basedMorgenstern single-mast-mounted array.
FuG 216: Experimental series to plan the further development. Installed inFw 190 A-6/R11 andBf 109 G-6[2] The aircraft were used by NJGr 10 until March 1944, after which some machines of6./JG 300 (Kommando Plöger) were equipped.[3]
Manufacturer:FlugfunkforschungsinstitutOberpfaffenhofen (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
Antennas in the form of spikes or (Fw 190) as "antlers" on right and left wings
FuG 217: Installed mainly inJu 88 G-6, only a fewBf 110 G-4,He 219 orMe 262 received theNeptun. It could be combined with the additionalElfe device to automatically measure the target distance and fire the guns at a set range.[4]
Manufacturer: FFO
R2 version (backward warning device)
J2 version (for single-engined night fighters)
Ausführung V/R (combined night fighter and backward warning device for two-engined fighters)
V/R version (combined night fighter and backward warning device for two-engined fighters)
Six switchable frequencies: 158 to 187MHz
Search angle: 120°
Range: 130–5,470 yd (120–5,000 m)
Weight: 110 lb (50 kg)
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 6.2 mi (10 km). This device was intended for theDornier Do 335. "Antler" antennas.
