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The APS-13 radar unit was a short range radar set running at 420 MHz which was designed to monitor the rear of an aircraft in flight, to identify if an aircraft was following behind it.

There were no screens or display units attached, the only warning given to the pilot was by the sounding of a bell and turning on a warning light. Using these simple devices, it was possible to install the unit into a single seater fighter aircraft such as the American P51 Mustang. However useful the unit could be, there was a differing of opinion by the pilots using it, some of whom loved it whilst others kept it turned off.

Component parts for the installation

APS-13 aerials mounted to either side of the tail seen here on a P51 Mustang

P51 manual extract showing the approximate range and coverage of the APS-13 tail radar

The Radar Room is lucky to own two of these self-contained radar sets. The second being kindly donated by the Defence Electronics History Society. Many thanks! Having two units, we’ve been able to restore one to an original working condition, but have been able to include a few basic modifications to the second unit, to enable it to be used for some simple radar demonstations.