Radar Fundamentals Flashcards
Define wavelength
Physical distance of one complete wave
Define frequency
Number of cycles that the RF energy completes per second
Lower freq radar characteristics
Long wavelength Large antenna Components generate high transmit power Low atmospheric attenuation Good long range detection capability Best long range for EW Radars
Med freq radar characteristics
Small wavelength allow smaller antenna
Components cannot handle much power-less detection range
Some atmospheric attenuation
Used by ASR, HF,GCI,SAM,&ADA Radars
High freq radars characteristics
Shorter wavelength and smaller antennas Smaller components allow less power-shorter detection range High precision Atmospheric attenuation Fire control radars- SAM & ADA
Define amplitude
The electromagnetic signal strength
Define Phase
A compete 360 degree cycle of an EM wave
Define polarization
Orientation of the electrical field in an EM wave
Define Beam Width
An angular size of the mainbeam, normally expressed in degrees
Technically the width in degrees between the points where the mainbeam decreases to half power
Define Pulse Width
The time radar is transmitting each pulse
Define Pulse Length
The distance between the leading and trailing edge of a Pulse
Define PRF
The rate at which pulses are transmitted
Discuss polarization
Linear: horizontal, vertical and slant
Circular: right hand, left hand waves whose polarization rotates thru 360 degrees in every wavelength
Discuss power
Strength of a radar signal:
Signal hitting a tgt: 1/r^2
Signal received by a radar: 1/r^4
Discuss reflection
The process of reradiating an incident radio wave
Discuss refraction
The bending of an Em wave
Discuss diffraction
Phenomenon observed when a radio wave spreads around objects whose size is comparable to its wavelength and bends around the edges of larger objects; it increases with wavelength
Discuss subrefraction ducting
Decreases radar LOS by bending the radar beam upward, decreasing its detection range
Discuss superrefraction ducting
Increase radar detection range by bending the beam downward, increasing the radar horizon and overcoming the masking caused by the earth’s curvature