History of the Institute

1955–1957: Foundation and Initial Development

With the registration of the Society for the Promotion of Astrophysical Research (e. V.) in 1955, the foundation was laid for a specialized radar research institute. On 1 January 1957, the Research Institute for High‑Frequency Physics (FHP) commenced its work. Its mission was to advance high‑frequency and radar technologies for scientific observation of outer space.

1957–1963: Early Years in Remagen

In its initial years, the institute was located in Remagen‑Rolandseck. During this period, essential scientific foundations were established, particularly for radar‑based detection and analysis of objects in near‑Earth space.

1963–1973: Wachtberg Site and Large Radar Facility

In 1963, the institute relocated to Wachtberg near Bonn, which remains the headquarters of Fraunhofer FHR to this day. Beginning in 1965, construction of a high‑performance large radar facility commenced at the new site. The system was commissioned in 1970, followed immediately by the first experiments. In 1973, the institute achieved its first high‑precision satellite measurement—an important milestone in European radar research.

1975–1998: Expansion under the FGAN Umbrella

In 1975, the supporting organization was renamed the Research Society for Applied Natural Sciences (FGAN). Over the following decades, the institute significantly broadened its research activities and developed novel radar methods and experimental systems for applications in the air, maritime, and space domains.

1999–2008: Focus on High‑Frequency Physics and Radar Technology

As part of an internal restructuring within FGAN, the institute was renamed the Research Institute for High‑Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR) on 1 April 1999. The focus on integrated high‑frequency, radar, and signal‑processing technologies was further sharpened.

Since 2009: Fraunhofer Institute for High‑Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

On 17 August 2009, FGAN was fully integrated into the Fraunhofer‑Gesellschaft. Since then, the institute has operated under the name Fraunhofer Institute for High‑Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR. Today, it is one of Europe’s leading research institutions in modern radar and sensor technologies, combining its historically grown expertise with forward‑looking applications in security, defense, space, and industry. Since 2016, Prof. Peter Knott and Prof. Dirk Heberling have jointly headed Fraunhofer FHR.