An Improved Hydrographic Survey Radar

Extract

When a resurvey of New Zealand coastal waters was started by the Royal New Zealand Navy, it was realized that many areas could not be covered accurately by visual fixing of landmarks and would require accurately laid beacons. It was also known that if accurate radar ranging could be provided, then a reduction could be made in the number of beacons to be laid and in the time required for the survey. As the standard Admiralty survey radar type 972M was not available as a complete equipment the Dominion Physical Laboratory were asked to develop a radar. This paper outlines some details of the radar and the operational results after two years installation on board H.M.N.Z.S. Lachlan during the survey of Hawke Bay.