Component development for war-time service applications

The paper deals with developments during the 1939¿45 War, in the field of radio components, particularly the common classes of components, as seen from the viewpoint of the Services design Establishments. An outline is given of the arrangements, both internal to the Establishments and between Establishments and industry, by which the development of new and improved components was effected. The various technical factors influencing the design of components for Service use are discussed: namely the need for increased reliability under extreme conditions, for reduced size and weight, and special factors arising from trends in equipment design. A brief review is given of some of the more important developments which have taken place in the individual classes and types of components. Finally, reference is made to future trends, and to some of the problems still to be solved.