GEORGE • L. HOPKINS • R. M. PAGE • 

 D. J. POVEJSIL • H. YATES 



CHAPTER 6 



GENERIC TYPES OF RADAR SYSTEMS AND 

 TECHNIQUES* 



6-1 INTRODUCTION 



The radar systems engineer is often asked to solve the following problem: 



"Given a set of performance specifications based on the tactical 

 problem requirements, derive a radar system that will meet the 

 specifications." 



For a variety of reasons, it is seldom possible to solve this problem in a 

 straightforward fashion. Probably the most important reason is this: The 

 performance specification — if properly derived — will seldom specify a 

 task which simply cannot be performed by radar techniques (for example, 

 the performance specification could not logically ask the radar to distinguish 

 between red and blue aircraft); however, the performance specification will 

 usually require the radar to perform a. group of tasks which are not logically 

 consistent with any one radar system mechanization. Even when mecha- 

 nization limitations are excluded from consideration, there is no such thing 

 as an "ideal" radar system which can perform any group of functions in an 

 optimum manner. Every conceivable type of radar system possesses a 

 combination of good and bad characteristics and both must be accepted 

 and rationalized in a given application. 



The usual approach is to assume a generic type of radar system which 

 experience and judgment deem reasonable. The assumed system then is 

 measured analytically against the overall system requirements to determine 

 whether it has the inherent potential for providing an acceptable problem 

 solution. This process is repeated until the best match is found between 

 the performance specification and the basic laws of nature governing what 

 can be done by a given radar system. 



*Pai-agraphs 6-1, 6-2, 6-6, and 6-7 are by D. J. Povejsil. Paragraph 6-3 is by R. M. Page. 

 Paragraph 6-4 is by S. F. George. Paragraph 6-5 is by L. Hopkins. Paragraph 6-8 is by 

 H. Yates. 



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