Briefcase that “changed the world”

This BBC article tells the stort of the journey of one very important microwave component delivered to America during World War 2 –the magnetron.

During the war engineers in England developed a high power microwave source, but not having the money or industrial support to develop this new source, they brought it to the US. They gave it to the US — no catch, so long as they provided financial and industrial support. The source was developed and led to airborn radar as it was powerful and lightweight compared to the other sources available at the time.

Why should anyone care? Because it allowed radar to be exploited during the war. Oh, and it is also the high power source tucked in the back of every microwave oven. So next time you make popcorn or one of those breakfast bundle things with the sausage on the stick surrounded by a pancake….speaking in a British accent is encouraged.