A radar beam refers to the electromagnetic wave pattern emitted by a radar antenna. It represents the directionality and focus of transmitted radio waves as they propagate through space. The radar beam is typically shaped to maximize energy in a specific direction, allowing the radar system to effectively detect and track targets within its operational range.
The characteristics of the radar beam, including its shape, size and angle, are crucial in determining the coverage area and resolution of the radar system.
The shape of a radar beam depends on the design of the radar antenna and the beamforming techniques used. Common radar beam shapes include conical, fan-shaped, or pencil-shaped beams. The shape is designed to achieve optimal coverage and resolution based on radar application requirements.
For example, surveillance radars often use wide-angle fan-shaped beams to scan large areas, while tracking radars may use narrow pencil-shaped beams for precise target tracking.
The size of a radar beam refers to its spatial extent in terms of angular coverage. It is determined by the beamwidth, which is the angular separation between points where the intensity of the radar beam drops to half its maximum value.
The beam size influences the resolution and coverage area of the radar: narrower beams provide higher resolution but cover smaller areas, while wider beams cover larger areas but with lower resolution. Radar systems can adjust beam size using beamforming techniques to optimize performance based on operational needs.
The angle of a radar beam refers to the direction in which the main beam of the radar antenna is pointed. It is defined relative to the radar coordinate system, usually in terms of azimuth (horizontal angle) and elevation (vertical angle).
The angle of the radar beam determines the scanning or coverage area of the radar system. Radar antennas can electronically or mechanically adjust the beam angle to scan different sectors, track moving targets, or maintain surveillance over specific regions. Precise control of beam angles is essential for radar operations to ensure effective detection, tracking and surveillance of targets within the radar’s field of view