Shipbucket

A serious problem in early microwave systems was waveguide losses, which limited the practical distance between antenna and radar generative / display. That is why early US installations of the microwave surface search set (SG) placed the antenna near the bridge, even when such placement severely limited the arc the radar could cover. There was no such problem with the coaxials of metric radars; many battleships and at least one cruiser showed, in 1942-43, big metric air search sets on the mainmast and a diminutive SG forward near the primary conning position. The solution to the waveguide problem shows in the widespread revision of this arrangement in 1944: SGs were moved aloft to topmasts to clear arcs for the big SK air search sets.

A very attractive design. Re the open bridge replacing this closed type, I'd be interested to know why the change, as it appears to go against the trend. The RN prefered open bridges for better overhead spotting of attacking aircraft (Stuka's in particular), and of course, to keep the chaps alert on watch (didn't work, closed was better in that respect).

Interrogativ if the next aré the CLAA ?????

I know about the waveguide problem -- it's interesting, though, as the Friedman's illustration of Cleveland as built clearly shows an SG set on the foremast.

Unfortunately, since the only photos of the ship in its early configuration are typically blurry and undersize, it's difficult to confirm: http://www.navsource.org/archives/04/055/04055.htm

This is in late 42 (later than the Cleveland in the drawing, note the removal of the boats/crane and additional light AA); it appears that the mainmast radar is still the SC set, and it REALLY looks to me like an SG on the foremast.

Thoughts? I'm stumped.

Yes. Note further (from a most interesting thread!) that neither of the after 6/47 turrets should have rangefinders.