Decca Radar Ltd.
Research Laboratory, 2, Tolworth Rise, Surbiton, Surrey. (1953 - 1979)
7 Beverley Way, Shannon Corner, Kingston Bypass, New Malden, Surrey. (1959)

Racal-Decca Defence Systems
240 Burlington Road New Malden Surrey KT3 4NF (1979)

Decca Radar Ltd. commenced operation in 1945.

The company was founded as a subsidiary of the Decca Record Company, which was a leading manufacturer of gramophone records and domestic radio & TV at the time.
Decca contributed to the British war effort during WW2 and the military engineering activity resulted in a number of commercial ventures after the war, in particular, the Decca Navigator System, and the Decca Radar Company.

The Decca Radar was first deployed by the Royal Navy during World War II and began transmitting on the day before the D-Day invasion force landed.

Decca radar systems were used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Decca radar was particularly effective at detecting ships and submarines, and it played an important role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Decca Radar Ltd. was initially focused on the development and manufacture of marine radar systems. The company's first marine radar, the Type 159, was launched in 1949. It was a commercial success, and Decca Radar quickly became the leading supplier of marine radar systems.

In addition to marine radar, Decca Radar also developed radar systems for other applications, such as air traffic control, military applications, and weather forecasting. The company's radar systems were used by a wide range of customers, including the British Royal Navy, the US Navy, and commercial airlines.

Decca Radar Ltd. played a significant role in the development and commercialization of radar technology. The company's products were used in a wide range of applications, and the company's innovations helped to make radar more accurate, reliable, and affordable.

Early years

The origins of Decca Radar Ltd. can be traced back to the Second World War, when the Decca Record Company developed a radar system for the British Royal Navy. This system was known as the Decca Navigator System, and it was used to help ships navigate in coastal waters.

The Decca Radar was first deployed by the Royal Navy during World War II and began transmitting on the day before the D-Day invasion force landed.

Their radar systems were used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Decca radar was particularly effective at detecting ships and submarines, and it played an important role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

After the war, the Decca Record Company decided to commercialize the Decca Navigator System. The company also began to develop new radar systems for other applications, such as air traffic control and civil aviation.

In 1945, the Decca Record Company formed a new subsidiary called Decca Radar Ltd. founded, in New Maldon, Surrey, England.
The new company was responsible for the development and manufacture of all of the Decca Record Company's radar products.

Growth and success

Decca Radar Ltd. quickly became one of the leading suppliers of radar systems in the world. The company's products were used by a wide range of customers, including the British Royal Navy, the US Navy, commercial airlines, and shipping companies.

Decca Radar's growth and success was due to a number of factors, including:

• Innovation: Decca Radar was a pioneer in the development of new radar technologies. For example, the company was the first to develop a true motion radar, which displays the movement of ships and other objects on a radar screen in real-time. Decca Radar also developed the first anti-collision radar, and the first "Type Approved" colour radar.
• Quality: Decca Radar's products were known for their high quality and reliability. The company's radar systems were used by a wide range of customers, including the British Royal Navy, the US Navy, and commercial airlines.
• Marketing: Decca Radar was a skilled marketer. The company promoted its products through a variety of channels, including trade shows, advertising, and public relations.

Decca Radar's growth and success was evident in its financial performance. The company's turnover increased from £1 million in 1950 to £100 million in 1980. Decca Radar's profits also grew significantly during this period.

Decca Radar's success had a positive impact on the British economy. The company employed hundreds of people, and its success helped to attract other businesses to the UK. Decca Radar also exported its products to a wide range of countries, which helped to generate foreign revenue for the UK.

Joint work between Decca Radar and Decca Navigator

Decca Radar and Decca Navigator were two separate companies, but they worked closely together on a number of projects.

One example of joint work between Decca Radar and Decca Navigator was the development of the Decca Type 724 radar. The Type 724 was a marine radar that was designed to be used with the Decca Navigator System. The Type 724 radar could use the Decca Navigator System to provide accurate position information to the radar display. This allowed ships to navigate more safely and efficiently in coastal waters.

Another example of joint work between Decca Radar and Decca Navigator was the development of the Decca Type 426 radar. The Type 426 was a military radar that was designed to be used with the Decca Navigator System. The Type 426 radar could use the Decca Navigator System to provide accurate position information to the radar display. This allowed military aircraft to navigate more safely and efficiently in hostile airspace.

Decca Radar and Decca Navigator also worked together on a number of other projects, including the development of radar systems for air traffic control and civil aviation. The two companies' joint work helped to make Decca Radar one of the leading suppliers of radar systems in the world.

Acquisition and decline

Decca Radar Ltd. was acquired by Racal Electronics in 1983. The company was renamed Racal-Decca Defence Systems (Radar) Limited.

The acquisition was part of a wider trend of consolidation in the British electronics industry at the time. Racal Electronics was a major player in the industry, and the acquisition of Decca Radar Ltd. helped to strengthen its position.

The acquisition was also seen as an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for radar systems in the defense sector. Racal Electronics was already a major supplier of radar systems to the British military, and the acquisition of Decca Radar Ltd. gave it access to Decca's expertise in marine radar and air traffic control radar.

However, the acquisition of Decca Radar Ltd. did not go as planned. Racal Electronics struggled to integrate Decca's operations into its own, and the company's profitability declined. This was due to a number of factors, including:

• The high cost of integrating Decca's operations
• The decline of the British electronics industry
• The increasing competition from foreign companies

Racal-Decca Defence Systems (Radar) Limited continued to develop and manufacture radar systems until 2004 when the name "Decca" was retired.

However, the legacy of Decca Radar Ltd. continues to be felt in the radar industry today. The company's products are still in use today, and the company's innovations helped to make radar more accurate, reliable, and affordable.