How to Calculate the Working Range of a Radar Placed 35m Above Sea Level?

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SUMMARY

The working range of a radar system placed 35 meters above sea level can be approximated using the radar horizon concept, which indicates that detection is achievable between the transmitter site and the horizon. For a basic line-of-sight radar system, the range is influenced by the height of the radar and the curvature of the Earth. More sophisticated radar systems may extend this range due to advanced signal processing capabilities. The discussion highlights the need for specific parameters to refine the calculation but emphasizes that the radar horizon typically exceeds the geometric horizon.

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  • Understanding of radar systems and their operational principles
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Knowledge of basic geometry related to Earth's curvature
  • Ability to interpret radar performance metrics
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  • Research radar horizon calculations and their implications on radar performance
  • Study the impact of radar height on detection range
  • Explore advanced radar systems and their signal processing techniques
  • Learn about the differences in radar performance for various target types, including airborne targets
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Students studying radar technology, engineers working with radar systems, and professionals involved in electromagnetic wave applications will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


Radar (radio wave) is placed 35m above sea level. Calculate working range of radar.

Homework Equations



So I have found various different formulas for range but they all are very complicated with respect to my example. I only have 1 known variable - height.

The Attempt at a Solution


There should be some kind of simple approximate formula. Can someone help?
 
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Not enough information to give even a ball park answer .

Have you some specific problem in mind ?
 
Edit : Problematic link removed .
 
Last edited:
Nidum said:
Not enough information to give even a ball park answer .

Have you some specific problem in mind ?
From my research on internet regarding this problem, I have the same opinion. But this example comes from school ( in topic elector magnetic waves) and therefore there should be some kind of simple answer.
 
With no other information available all you can say is that radar detection of a target is achievable anywhere between the transmitter site and the horizon .

That is for a simple line of sight radar system of sufficient power and a sea level target with good signal reflection characteristics .

Different answers for airborne targets and/or more sophisticated radar systems .
 
Last edited:
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Just for interest : The radar horizon does not usually coincide exactly with the geometric horizon - radar horizon is usually further away - ie further around the Earth's curvature . How much depends on the sophistication of the radar system .
 
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Nidum said:
https://ia801406.us.archive.org/14/items/IntroductionToRadarSystems/Skolnik-IntroductionToRadarSystems.pdf
My computer declares that site to be dangerous and says I should not access it under any circumstances.
 
Ray Vickson said:
My computer declares that site to be dangerous and says I should not access it under any circumstances.

Both AVG Pro and Windows Defender passed it as ok . To be safe though I've removed the link .

The actual book is still available - though it is a bit expensive : Introduction to Radar Systems - Skolnik - McGraw-Hill .
 

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