Russian Woodpecker Radio Signal
Here is a short (true) astonishing story of how The Russian Woodpecker Radio Signal sent chilling shockwaves across the globe…..
In the 1970s, a powerful radio signal known as the Russian Woodpecker caused significant interference on HF bands.
It was believed to be emitted by a transmitter located in Russia or Ukraine. The signal, which disrupted communication services and affected frequencies from 4 to 27 megahertz, was heard all over the globe.
Many countries, including the UK and the US, lodged complaints with the Russian authorities, who claimed to be conducting tests. Despite attempts to alleviate or jam the signal, it eventually disappeared in 1989, likely due to the end of the Cold War and the advent of early warning satellites.
The Woodpecker site is now located within the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and tours are available for those interested in exploring its eerie history.
Below is a fantastic video outlining the information in this article in more detail. Our thanks to Ringway Manchester. Check out their amazing YouTube Channel.
The Russian Woodpecker
Introduction to the Russian Woodpecker Signal
The Russian Woodpecker was a powerful radio signal that caused interference in HF bands during the 1970s. It was believed to be caused by a transmitter located in Russia or Ukraine.
Causes of the interference
The Soviet Union was developing early warning radar systems, and the Duga radar was built to solve the problem of providing early warning of missile launches. The Duga radar used an over-the-horizon radar array, bouncing its signal off the ionosphere to see beyond the horizon.
Extent of the interference
The Duga radar had a transmitter power of 10 megawatts and was heard all over the globe. The interference caused by the Woodpecker affected frequencies from 4 to 27 megahertz, disrupting communication services.
Complaints from other countries
Many countries, including the UK and the US, lodged complaints with the Russian authorities, who claimed to be conducting tests. The Woodpecker interference was a considerable nuisance for broadcasters and a communication disruption for radio amateurs and airliner flights.
The Duga Radar
Introduction to the Duga radar
The Duga radar was built as part of the Soviet Union’s early warning radar system. It was designed to provide early detection of missile launches.
Purpose of the Duga radar
The Duga radar’s main purpose was to provide the Soviet Union with advance warning of incoming missile attacks. By detecting missile launches over the horizon, it would give Soviet defenses time to study the attack and plan a response.
Transmitter power and global reach
The Duga radar had a transmitter power of 10 megawatts, making it an incredibly powerful system. Monitoring station engineers in the UK believed that the actual power levels could be even higher. It was estimated that the signal was likely audible in every part of the globe.
Connection between the Duga radar and the Woodpecker signal
The Woodpecker signal was believed to be connected to the Duga radar system. The interference caused by the Woodpecker was suspected to be a byproduct of the Duga’s over-the-horizon radar functioning.
Effects of the Woodpecker Signal
Disruption of communication services
The Woodpecker signal disrupted communication services within the affected frequencies. It created significant interference for various communication systems, causing difficulties in transmitting and receiving signals.
Impact on broadcasters and radio amateurs
Broadcasters and radio amateurs were greatly affected by the Woodpecker interference. The constant disruption made monitoring and broadcasting programs challenging. It caused frustration and annoyance for those in the industry.
Interference with airliner flights
The Woodpecker signal also interfered with airliner flights. Radio amateurs reported that the interference disrupted their communications with long-distance flights. It raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of communication systems used for air travel.
Attempts to alleviate or jam the signal
Several attempts were made to alleviate or jam the interference caused by the Woodpecker signal. Companies developed noise blanket devices to reduce interference levels. Radio amateurs also formed the Woodpecker Hunting Club, which aimed to record and synthesize the signals to counteract the interference. However, these attempts were not entirely successful, and the interference persisted for several years.
The End of the Russian Woodpecker Radio Signal
Shutdown of the Duga systems
In the late 1980s, the Woodpecker signal became less frequent, and in 1989, it disappeared completely. The real reason for the eventual shutdown of the Duga systems was never made public. However, it is believed that the end of the Cold War and the success of early warning satellites played a significant role in the decision.
Relationship to the end of the Cold War
The end of the Cold War likely influenced the decision to shut down the Duga systems. With improving political relations between the Soviet Union and the West, the need for early warning radar systems diminished.
Success of early warning satellites
The success of the US’s early warning satellites, which began entering service in the early 1980s, may have also contributed to the shutdown of the Duga systems. These satellites provided immediate and highly secure warnings of missile launches, making radar-based systems less necessary.
The Russian Woodpecker Radio Signal Site Today
Location within the exclusion zone
The Woodpecker site is located within the 30-kilometer exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It is situated near the town of Chernobyl in present-day Ukraine.
Deactivation of the site
The radar at the Woodpecker site is permanently deactivated. It doesn’t receive much, if any, maintenance. Most of the array remains as it was during its operation.
Availability of pre-booked tours
Despite its deactivated state, pre-booked tours are available for those interested in visiting the Woodpecker site. These tours are accompanied by a guide to provide information about the history and significance of the site.
Russian Woodpecker Radio Signal: Recap
The Russian Woodpecker, with its powerful radio signal, caused significant interference on HF bands during the 1970s. Linked to the Duga radar system, the Woodpecker affected communication services, broadcasters, radio amateurs, and even airliner flights.
Despite attempts to alleviate or jam the signal, it continued to persist until its eventual disappearance in 1989. The shutdown of the Duga systems was likely due to the end of the Cold War and the success of early warning satellites.
Today, the Woodpecker site is located within the Chernobyl exclusion zone and offers pre-booked tours for those interested in exploring its history.
