Radar Observer · Performance — Range
Increasing the height of a radar antenna will generally:
- ADecrease the maximum detection range to the horizon
- BIncrease the radar horizon and thus the maximum range at which low targets are detected✓ Correct
- CHave no effect on range
- DEliminate sea clutter
Explanation
Because radar waves travel approximately line-of-sight (slightly beyond the visible horizon), a higher antenna extends the radar horizon, increasing the range at which low-lying targets first appear.
Authority: Radar Theory (USCG topic)
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