Navigation General · Radar Principles
The minimum range of a marine radar is primarily determined by:
- AThe transmitter power and antenna height
- BThe pulse length and receiver recovery time✓ Correct
- CThe antenna rotation rate and beam width
- DThe operating frequency (X-band vs. S-band)
Explanation
Minimum detection range depends on how quickly the transmitter/receiver can switch from transmit to receive mode (recovery time) and on the pulse length — together these define the closest distance at which a return can be distinguished from the transmitted pulse. Antenna height affects maximum range; beam width affects bearing resolution.
Authority: Radar Navigation Manual (Pub. 1310), Ch. 2
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