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

  • Thread starter Thread starter prehisto
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Radar Range
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the working range of a radar system positioned 35 meters above sea level. The original poster seeks a straightforward method or formula to determine this range, given the limited information available.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the adequacy of the information provided for a definitive answer. Some question whether a specific problem or context is intended. Others discuss the concept of radar detection in relation to the horizon and the implications of radar system sophistication.

Discussion Status

The conversation highlights a lack of consensus on how to approach the problem due to insufficient details. Some participants suggest that the radar's working range is fundamentally linked to the line of sight and the horizon, while others note that different scenarios may yield varying results.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that the example originates from a school context related to electromagnetic waves, implying a potential expectation for a simplified answer. There is also a note regarding the radar horizon not aligning with the geometric horizon, which could affect calculations.

prehisto
Messages
111
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: prehisto
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 .
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: prehisto
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 .
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Could fast radio bursts be alien radar signals?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
High School How Do Radars in Space Prevent Signal Dispersion and Maintain Target Accuracy?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Egg tossing crime -- From what location was the egg thrown?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Atmospheric Pressure Above the Sea Level
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Find if the boat will see the flare, what angle will they?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Maximum Height and Range of a Projectile?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Simple continuous tracking radar system with cantenna - how to get ranging info?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Air Pressure Reduction as a Function of Height Above Sea Level
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Looking for formulations used in sea level calculations
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Volume of a mole of air 15km above sea level
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K