A plane position indicator (PPI) in radar is a type of display that presents radar data in a dimensional top-down view. It shows target positions relative to the radar antenna location, with range displayed along radial distance from center and azimuth (roll) shown around the circumference of the screen. IPP allows radar operators to view the location, movement and spatial relationships of targets in real time, making it a crucial tool in air traffic control, military surveillance and weather applications.
In aviation, PPI stands for Primary Purpose Indicator. This is a type of radar display used in aircraft to show the aircraft’s position relative to a navigation beacon or waypoint. The PPI display helps pilots navigate accurately by providing a clear visual representation of their position in relation to surrounding airspace features, terrain and other aircraft. PPI displays are essential in modern cockpit instrumentation to improve situational awareness and ensure safe navigation during flights.
The Range Height Indicator (RHI) is a radar display mode that combines range and elevation information to present a cross-sectional view of radar yields. Unlike IPP, which shows targets in a top-down view, RHI displays radar data along a specific azimuth angle while varying the elevation angle. This allows radar operators to observe the vertical distribution of targets or terrain features in a specific azimuth sector, providing valuable information for terrain mapping, weather monitoring and obstacle detection in radar systems.
The plane position indicator (PPI) was not invented by a single individual but rather evolved through the development of radar technology in the mid-20th century. It has become a standard radar display mode used in military and civilian applications to view radar data in real time. The PPI display’s ability to represent radar yields in a geographic context has revolutionized air defense, navigation, weather forecasting and maritime surveillance, contributing significantly to the advancement of radar technologies.
B-scan radar refers to a type of radar display that presents radar data in a cross-sectional view along a specific bearing (azimuth angle) and at a fixed range. Unlike the PPI display, which shows a top-down view of radar returns across all azimuth angles, the B-Scan display focuses on radar returns along a single line or sector, typically used for detailed examination of targets or terrain features in a specific direction. B-scan radar displays are commonly used in radar systems for detailed analysis and tracking of individual targets, such as in military surveillance and aerospace applications.