Radarreichweite

Radarreichweite refers to the maximum distance at which a radar system can detect a target. This range is influenced by several factors, including the power of the radar transmitter, the sensitivity of the receiver, the size and reflectivity of the target, the frequency of the radar waves, and atmospheric conditions. The basic principle behind radar range calculation is the radar range equation, which mathematically relates these variables.

A fundamental consideration is the line of sight. For ground-based radars, the curvature of the Earth limits the maximum range to the horizon. This horizon distance is dependent on the height of the radar antenna. For airborne or space-based radars, this limitation is significantly reduced or eliminated. The strength of the returned signal, known as the echo, diminishes with the square of the distance to the target. Additionally, the signal strength is further reduced by factors like spreading losses and absorption by the atmosphere.

Conversely, factors that increase radar range include higher transmitter power, more sensitive receivers capable of detecting weaker echoes, and targets with larger radar cross-sections (meaning they reflect more radar energy back to the source). Environmental factors such as rain, fog, and snow can scatter radar signals, creating clutter and potentially reducing the effective range for detecting desired targets. Specialized radar systems are designed to mitigate these effects and achieve longer detection distances for specific applications.