Information and the Air Defence Revolution, 1917-40

Author: David Zimmerman

Source: Journal of Strategic Studies, Volume 27, Number 2, June 2004 , pp. 370-394(25)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The Royal Air Force was successful in the Battle of Britain because of the elaborate and sophisticated air defence system of Fighter Command. This system had its foundations in the early warnings which radar provided. The process of collecting a huge amount of often inaccurate and contradictory data from radar stations, and then turning it into useful information which could direct fighters to their targets was a remarkable accomplishment. Information was the key to this revolution in military organisation, command and control procedures, and tactics. The origins of this information revolution predate radar, and can be traced back to World War I.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0140239042000255968

Publication date: 2004-06-01