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How wireless waves guide aeroplanes during bad visibility
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How wireless waves guide aeroplanes during bad visibility
Method of directing the pilots of aircraft flying to and from Croydon has been revolutioned by the Marconi directional visual beacon station erected at croydon.
WWII
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In the midst of the turbulent skies of World War II, the once revolutionary method of guiding pilots of aircraft through foggy and bad weather conditions has been significantly transformed. This photograph captures the Marconi Directional Visual Beacon station erected at Croydon Airport, a testament to the groundbreaking advancements in wireless technology during that era. The Marconi beacon, an ingenious invention, transmitted Morse code signals at specific frequencies and lengths through the air, creating a distinctive wave pattern that could be detected by pilots using their aerial receivers. These signals, when aligned with the directional indicators on their instruments, would guide the pilots towards their destinations with remarkable accuracy. The beacon's technology was a significant improvement over traditional navigation methods, such as dead reckoning and celestial navigation, which relied heavily on the skill and experience of the navigator. With the Marconi beacon, pilots could navigate more precisely and safely, even in the harshest weather conditions. The Marconi beacon was a crucial component of the wireless communication and telegraphy technologies that played a pivotal role during the war. The beacon's transmitter, located at the station, would send out signals that could be detected by pilots up to 20 miles away. The signals, when received, would be displayed on the pilot's wavemeter or receiver, allowing them to adjust their course accordingly. The Marconi beacon station at Croydon was just one of many such installations that dotted the British landscape during the war, providing a vital lifeline for pilots navigating through the treacherous skies. The technology may have been simple by today's standards, but it was a game-changer in its time, revolutionizing the way aircraft were steered towards their destinations and ultimately saving countless lives.
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