I was learning about weather radar a while ago, and how the high frequency of operation in the antennas (the big dish) is enough to cook eggs, and give you three headed kids if you were exposed to the beam while the radar is scanning (probably a thousand times worst than that, more like cancer, and bad burns  ).  That is why the radar is never used on the ground, and especially during refueling processes (as a close proximity fuel truck can possibily blow up if its on).  I also understand that military pilots must set radar (although not weather, but much more complicated) to standby before doing an air refuel.

With that said, I notice that military pilots quite frequently fly close formations in the air.  With say, their air to air radar on, can this cause some negative health issues to the pilot of the aircraft in front who is in formation?  Can anyone shed some light on this?

With the exception of extremely high powered radars (AWACS and the like) the pilot of a military aircraft is protected from electromagnetic radiation by the skin and structure of the plane. The same thing that causes a reflection on a radar screen bounces the energy away from the crew.

Ah thanks, posted just as I was typing   Does that mean flying close to AWACs is bad for health?  Is there a certain dangerspot with regards to range from the radar as well, dispite the electromagnetic protection of the airframe??   Plus, I understand that, although the aircraft structure may contribute to protecting the pilot from this matter, but what about the canopy of a fighter?  Will that hinder the protectiveness somewhat?

good thing it wasnt emitting.  At what range would they consider it to be safe from AWACS?

The radar on the nimrod is also rather powerful, and because Woodford is right next to manchester airport, they cant use it till they are well lclear, or it would fry other aircrafts systems.