RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum in Horning, Norfolk, is a fascinating and unique museum dedicated to the history of radar technology and its crucial role in the Royal Air Force’s air defense during and after World War II. The museum showcases how radar technology evolved to protect Britain’s airspace, particularly during the Battle of Britain, when radar played a pivotal role in detecting enemy aircraft.

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

Nr RRH Neatishead

Birds Lane

Horning NR12 8YB

United Kingdom

www.radarmuseum.co.uk

curator@radarmuseum.co.uk

+44 (0)1692 631485

April – October

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays 10:00 – 17:00

Also open on the second Saturday of each month – all year round.

The FREE Guided Tours run every half hour from 10:00

Admission fee

Gift shop

Aircraft collection

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
XN795

XS421

BAC Lightning F.2A (cockpit)*

BAC Lightning T.5 (cockpit)*

*stored

You’ll be walked through a history of Radar and Air Defence from 1935 to the present day Space Defence Systems. Recalling scenes from the best WWII and Bond movies, two of the museum highlights are the original 1942 Battle of Britain and Cold War operations rooms. Collections from the nearby RAF Coltishall bring to life the personal stories behind this historic air base and include hand-painted aircraft panels, photographs, trophies and WWII hero Sir Douglas Bader’s  mascot ‘Baders Bunny’.

Key Highlights RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

  1. The Radar History:
    • The museum focuses on the development and implementation of air defense radar systems in the UK, starting from the early days of World War II and continuing into the Cold War.
    • It covers the Chain Home radar system, the world’s first long-range radar network, which was crucial in detecting incoming German bombers during the Battle of Britain and ensuring the Royal Air Force could effectively defend British skies.
  2. Radar Equipment and Displays:
    • The museum houses a wide array of historical radar equipment, including restored radar sets, displays, and radar components used during the Battle of Britain and later in air defense.
    • Visitors can explore how radar technology worked in the early 20th century, from the massive Chain Home stations to more modern radar systems used during the Cold War.
    • One of the main attractions is the large radar dish used for air defense, which allows visitors to see firsthand the scale and importance of radar technology in military operations.
  3. Cold War Exhibits:
    • The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum delves into the role of radar in the Cold War, highlighting the evolution of radar technology for defense purposes and its key role in detecting potential threats during the tense years following World War II.
    • Cold War defense equipment, such as radar systems used for tracking Soviet aircraft, is also on display.
  4. RAF and Civilian Radar Personnel:
    • The museum tells the stories of the RAF personnel who operated these radar systems, as well as the civilian engineers who helped develop and maintain them.
    • Displays feature uniforms, photographs, personal artifacts, and diaries that provide insight into the life of those who worked in these crucial roles.
  5. The Historical Importance of Radar:
    • The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum emphasizes how radar was a game-changer during the Battle of Britain, allowing the RAF to detect incoming German bombers at a time when visual spotting was not possible.
    • It also explains the role of radar in air traffic control, early warning systems, and military defense up to the present day.