Radar Observer · Performance — Pulse Length vs Range Resolution
Selecting a shorter pulse length improves:
- ANothing — pulse length has no effect
- BMaximum detection range only
- CBearing resolution only
- DRange resolution and minimum detection range (better discrimination of close targets), at the cost of maximum range✓ Correct
Explanation
A short pulse puts less energy out (shorter maximum range) but lets the set distinguish two targets close together on the same bearing and detect nearby targets (better range resolution and a smaller minimum range). Long pulses give greater range but poorer close-in discrimination. Range resolution ≈ half the pulse length in distance.
Authority: IMO Performance Standards for Radar; Bowditch
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