Leonard George Chapman

Who was Leonard George Chapman?

Squadron Leader Leonard George Chapman was an inventor, radio engineer and Royal Air Force officer.

While serving in the Royal Air Force he invented the 'Chapman Method' in 1937–1938. This method accurately determines the location of an object from the time difference of arrival of a signal emitted from that object to three or more receivers. A method commonly used in civil and military surveillance applications, and also known as Multilateration. Thus it has been suggested that Chapman be nominated as the father of Multilateration.

Chapman was in charge of installing 5 radar stations as part of the Chain Home system. Including the Netherbutton station in the parish of Holm, Orkney Islands, the installation of which Chapman performed while only holding the rank of Corporal.

He had a long and distinguished career holding a variety of commands, rising to the rank of Squadron Leader and receiving a permanent commission.