Lancaster ME844 LS-C in flight
Lancaster and H2S Radar
The Lancaster’s use of H2S radar, a groundbreaking blind-bombing technology developed during World War II, marked a significant advancement in Bomber Command’s capabilities.
H2S Development and Principles: H2S, also known as “Home Sweet Home,” was a revolutionary system that enabled bombers to navigate and target even in conditions of poor visibility. It operated on the principle of radar, emitting radio waves that would reflect off the ground, creating a crude “picture” on a display screen in the aircraft. The system was initially developed by British companies like ASV and later refined by G&H.
Lancaster Integration and Visual Identification: Lancasters fitted with H2S were easily identifiable by a large, clear Perspex blister located on the underside of the fuselage, just aft of the bomb bay. This blister housed the H2S scanner.
H2S and the Hamburg Raids: Raids on Hamburg in July-August 1943 as a turning point in the air war, partly due to the effective use of H2S. Hamburg, outside the range of the Oboe navigation system, was considered an ideal target for H2S-guided bombing.
Advantages and Limitations of H2S:
- Enhanced Targeting in Adverse Conditions: H2S significantly improved Bomber Command’s ability to carry out night operations and attack targets even in poor weather, when traditional visual bombing methods were ineffective.
- Vulnerability to German Countermeasures: The Germans developed countermeasures to H2S, including the Naxos system, which allowed night fighters to detect H2S emissions and home in on equipped aircraft. This vulnerability highlighted the ongoing technological arms race between the Allied and Axis powers.
H2S and Other Navigation Aids: The Lancaster’s use of H2S often complemented other navigation aids. For instance, during the Battle of Berlin, some Lancasters were equipped with both H2S and “ABC” (Airborne Cigar), a jamming device designed to disrupt German radar. The combined use of these systems aimed to maximize targeting accuracy and minimize losses to enemy defenses.
H2S, while not without its limitations, marked a crucial advancement in blind-bombing technology. Its integration with the Lancaster enhanced the bomber’s capabilities, enabling more effective attacks in adverse conditions and contributing to the Allied strategic bombing campaign against Germany.