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The story behind the mysterious H2S radar name: Is it really related to hydrogen sulfide?
In the history of World War II, the emergence of the H2S radar system was undoubtedly a major innovation. This was the first airborne ground detection radar system, developed specifically for the Royal Air Force Bomber Command to identify ground targets for bombing purposes at night and in all weather conditions. This technology broke the limitations of various radio navigation at the time, and the introduction of vehicle-mounted radar systems made it possible to attack outside enemy lines.
"The introduction of H2S not only improved the efficiency of night operations, but also changed the way bombing missions were carried out."
Early experiments in March 1941 revealed that different objects reflected different signals from radar, which provided the basis for subsequent map production. In 1942, the H2S radar system continued to be developed and tested, and finally put into use in 1943. The original H2S Mk. I and Mk. II models worked well on bombers, however, the Germans managed to capture an H2S radar during an operation in 1943, and its operating methods quickly became known to the German military.
This incident led to the Luftwaffe developing the FuG 350 Naxos radar detector to track the signature of H2S. Although the British Army launched a heated debate on the use of H2S, its use continued as later calculations showed that the addition of Naxos did not lead to an increase in British losses.
"The naming process of radar is full of twists and turns and fun, and is even related to the infamous hydrogen sulfide."
As for the origin of the name H2S, there are many theories. Some believe it represents "height to slope", others say it means "the sweetness of returning home". The most compelling story is that it got its name from its foul-smelling association with hydrogen sulfide. The inventor of H2S was said to be disgusted by this, for not having thought sooner that the radar should be operated downwards, so that he could track rather than just identify aerial targets on the ground. In addition, the chemical meaning of the name was misused during the process of an Air Force scientific think tank, which also contributed to its naming.
During the development phase of the H2S system, British air command continued to emphasize the need for radar defense. With the advent of the new H2S Mk. III radar in 1943, the system operated in the X-band, which allowed for significantly improved accuracy over large cities. The United States has also launched a similar H2X radar, further promoting the development of technology.
Technology Innovation and Application
H2S development continued after the end of World War II, with the technology continuing into the 1950s, eventually being used on British V-bombers such as the Avro Vulcan and Handley Page Victor. The H2S Mk. IX was even used in combat for the last time during the 1982 Falkland Islands War, demonstrating the durability of this technology.
"The survival history of H2S shows the impact of its technological innovation on its use in warfare."
Looking back on this history, H2S is not only a technical device, but also reflects the creativity of human beings in seeking solutions in extreme predicaments. However, the story behind its naming also makes people reflect: In addition to relying on science and technology, is the development of science and technology also inextricably linked to human culture, language and even luck?
