With a strong grasp of radar fundamentals comes a foundation for understanding the significance and implications of current trends and innovations in radar technology. Here we’ll cover what radar systems do, what information they can yield, and review their functional components. This includes range equations and variable considerations for searching, tracking, fire control, and imaging radar.
Radar systems detect objects and find their locations in space by transmitting electromagnetic waves in the radio-frequency (RF) and microwave ranges. The system emits short bursts of energy and detects the echo signal returned by objects of interest. That echo signal can provide information on target detection, range, angles, size, speed, and object features.