Radar Observer · Limitations — Indirect Echo
An indirect (reflected) echo from your own ship's stack or a nearby structure can place a real target:
- AAt its correct bearing and range
- BAt a false bearing, often in line with the reflecting obstruction✓ Correct
- COff the display entirely
- DOnly on the heading marker
Explanation
The beam bounces off a structure to a target and back, so the echo is displayed in the direction of the reflector at a range equal to the total path. The indirect echo usually disappears or shifts when the geometry changes.
Authority: Radar Navigation — False Echoes
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