Aids to training - the design of radar synthetic training devices for the R.A.F.

During the war radar synthetic training devices were used to a great extent by the Royal Air Force for training operators, navigators, controllers, etc., in radar techniques. As each new radar device was introduced (CHL, GCI, AI, Gee, H2S, Oboe, etc.) a simple synthetic trainer was designed concurrently with the design of the radar equipment. As operational experience was gained on the equipment a more complex crew trainer was designed. This type of trainer provided accurate presentation of a moving synthetic target or targets and complete operational ¿practice¿, with a record of the trainee´s errors. Approximately 70 different types of trainers were developed for the various ¿marks¿ of radar systems, varying in scope from the provision of simple synthetic echoes to a complex device such as the reproduction on the ground of a complete A.I. night-fighter interception. A brief description is given of the major types of trainers. The fundamental principles necessary for the control of synthetic targets in two and three dimensions are discussed. With the end of the war the urgent necessity for training devices declined and comparatively few trainers are being designed at the present time.