2-1 



INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEM 



47 



Wherever possible, mathematical complexities have been eliminated, 

 minimized, or referenced. However, the reader will find that knowledge of 

 simple probability theory, operational calculus, and feedback control 

 theory provides a key to better understanding of a weapons system study. 



Readers having some familiarity with the radar design problem may be 

 somewhat surprised — even appalled — at the amount of study which 

 must be done prior to considering the radar design problem itself. They 

 may be tempted to say: "Surely, you do not expect a radar designer to 

 concern himself with such matters? These are the responsibility of the 

 agency that prepares our specification!" 



The authors' reply to these remarks is based on their own not always 

 pleasant personal experiences and close observation of the experiences of 

 many other radar system designers. 



Seldom, if ever, does the basic specification given to a radar designer 

 provide the necessary input information for a successful system design. 

 It is a starting point — nothing more. Until the radar designer understands 

 the nature of his contribution to the solution of the overall system problem 

 he has little chance of designing a radar system that will operate satis- 

 factorily as part of a complete weapons system. 



In recognition of this fact, the weapons system contractor not only 

 should encourage, he should require the radar designer to demonstrate his 

 understanding of the problem by preparing a formal document embodying 

 the type of analysis and development to be demonstrated in this chapter. 

 This will tend to ensure that the purposes and objectives of the weapons 

 system are not made subservient to the preconceived biases of the radar 

 designer. 



What is the 

 problem? 



What is 



known 



about the 



problem? 



What remains to be 



understood about 



the problem? 



What is the 

 plan for 

 action? 



Fig. 2-1 Steps Leading to the Formulation of the System Study Plan. 



