An Air Radar works by transmitting electromagnetic waves and detecting their reflection off objects such as aeroplanes, birds, and ground structures. Here’s how it generally works:
- Transmitting Electromagnetic Waves: A radar system emits pulses of radio waves or microwaves. These waves travel through the air until they hit an object. The frequency of these waves is tuned to be well within the radar’s operational range.
- Wave Reflection: When these waves hit an object, they bounce back or reflect off it. The amount and characteristics of the reflected waves depend on the object’s size, shape, surface, and distance.
- Receiving Reflected Waves: The radar system has antennas that receive these reflected waves. The received signal provides information about the object’s position, speed, direction, and even altitude if it’s an aircraft.
- Processing the Data: The radar system processes the returned signals using sophisticated algorithms to create a detailed picture of the surrounding environment. This data can be displayed on screens as maps or signals indicating the presence and location of objects.
- Display and Interpretation: The processed data is displayed on a radar screen for human operators or integrated with air traffic control systems, automated tracking, or defensive systems.
This technology is essential for aviation safety, defence, and navigation, helping to prevent collisions and track aircraft movements.