410A Radar Flashcards
Define wavelength
Physical distance of one complete wave
Define frequency
Number of cycles that the RF energy completes per second.
Hz
f=c/wavelength
Define phase
A 360 degree cycle of an Em wave.
The degree to which individual cycles of a wave coincide with those of a reference wave of the same frequency
Define polarization
Orientation of the electrical field in an Em wave.
Vertical, Horizontal, Spiral
Define BW, Beamwidth
BW is angular measurement of the size of the mainbeam, normally expressed in degrees.
Define PW, Pulse Width
PW is the time radar is transmitting each pulse.
Units Time
Define PL, Pulse Length
PL is the distance between the leading and trailing edges of a pulse.
Units Distance
Define PRF, Pulse Repetition Frequency
Rate at which pulses are transmitted.
Measured in pulses per second.
Lower Frequency Radar Characteristics
Long Wavelength; large antenna; components able to generate high transmit power; low atmospheric attenuation; good long range detection capability, but poor precision; best long range for EW radars
Medium Frequency Radar Characteristics
Smaller wavelengths allow smaller antennas; components cannot handle as much power, therefore less detection range; some atmospheric attenuation; used by ASR, HF, GCI, SAM, and ADA acquisition radars.
Higher Frequency Radar Characteristics
Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and smaller antennas; smaller components allow less power with shorter detection range; high precision; atmospheric attenuation more of a problem; fire control radars for fighters, SAM and ADA.
Linear Polarization
Horizontal, vertical, slant
Circular Polarization
Right hand, left hand waves whose polarization rotates through 360 degrees in every wavelength
Radar Power
Strength of radar signal hitting a target = 1/R^2
Strength of radar signal sent/received by a radar = 1/R^4
Radar Reflection
The process of reradiating an incident radio wave.
Radar Refraction
The bending of Em energy
through different materials.
Radar Ducting
The bending of radar rays due to atmospheric conditions
Subrefraction decreases radar LOS by bending the radar beam upward.
Superrefraction increases radar LOS detection by bending the radar beam downward.
Radar Diffraction
Phenomenon observed when a radio wave spreads around objects whose size is comparable to its wavelength and bend around the edges of larger objects.
Diffraction increases with wavelength.