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Primary radar systems have a range of 60 nautical miles and 200 feet above ground, using a single frequency and transmitter. Secondary radar operates between 1030-1090 MHz using two frequencies from the transponder and interrogator. Primary radar is used for short-range target acquisition and tracking, while secondary radar guides missiles over longer ranges of dozens of kilometers. The range of civil primary radars is limited for safety reasons, restricting tracking to a few tens of kilometers. A 2009 agreement installed primary and secondary radar systems at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia.

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Willy Tsandib
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16 views

Assignment Flight

Primary radar systems have a range of 60 nautical miles and 200 feet above ground, using a single frequency and transmitter. Secondary radar operates between 1030-1090 MHz using two frequencies from the transponder and interrogator. Primary radar is used for short-range target acquisition and tracking, while secondary radar guides missiles over longer ranges of dozens of kilometers. The range of civil primary radars is limited for safety reasons, restricting tracking to a few tens of kilometers. A 2009 agreement installed primary and secondary radar systems at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia.

Uploaded by

Willy Tsandib
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION

According to research from Richardson RFPD, the abbreviation RADAR stands for “Radio
Detection and Ranging.” It is defined as a system that uses high-speed electromagnetic
waves to detect the position, speed, direction of motion, and altitude of stationary and non-
stationary objects. In simple terms it does so by transmitting electromagnetic energy and
analyzing the reflected signal to obtain the components mentioned. [1] The radar systems are
categorized into primary and secondary radar systems.

SCOPE
This aims of this report are to discuss the characteristics of the two systems differences and
how they differ. We will also discuss the limitations of the radar systems and their areas of
operation. Lastly, in relevance to our location, where this type of systems can be found.

FINDINGS
According to FAA publications, primary radar systems have coverage of 200 feet above the
ground and within 60 nautical mile radius and operates in the range of 2700 to 2900 MHz. It
uses one frequency throughout, and similarly one transmitter and receiver. The secondary
radar on the other hand, operates between 1030 and 1090 MHz with two frequencies, one
from the transponder and another from the interrogator.[2]

The primary radar in a modern fighter is used to acquire targets and track them in the visual
range (typically in the range of about .9-2.4 km), and then they enter the picture sweep
(typically in the visual range). The secondary radar (also known as "missile guidance" and
"missile track") is used to acquire and guide a missile to a target at much longer ranges,
usually dozens of km. This kind of radar is mostly used by anti-aircraft missiles.
Unfortunately, the range of a civil primary radar cannot be increased beyond the current
range. Safety and security are top priorities for all aviation safety stakeholders. To provide a
reliable and robust surveillance system, it is necessary to set technical limits on the ground
equipment as well as on any aircraft that wishes to fly. These restrictions are designed to
ensure that all aircraft carrying out flights in European airspace comply with national safe
operations requirements while still guaranteeing full compatibility between different countries'
radars. Furthermore, the current technical limitations of civil primary radars restrict their
tracking capability to a few tens of kilometers to protect both aircrew and other aircraft using
the airspace. This allows for a significant improvement of safety and security within air traffic.
Furthermore, as primary surveillance radar is the first line of defense against an intrusion
into European airspace, it is essential that the limitations set out in international agreements
are respected. To increase the range would mean to increase the frequency and shorten
wavelength allowing the radar to reduce the noise and reduce diffraction as well, as per the
notes. With this comes negative effects on the human body, such as biological tissue
heating, damage to skin, eye cataracts and an increase in body temperature. Tissue
damage in humans might develop because of the body's inability to cope with or remove the
excessive heat that could be created during exposure to very high radiofrequency radiation.
[3]

According to source from the Namibian newspaper archives of 2009-01-19, The Ministry of
Works and Transport inked a N$175 million agreement with the French company Thales for
the installation of primary and secondary surveillance radar systems at The Hosea Kutako
International Airport, located outside of Windhoek.[4]

DISCUSSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES
1. Wolf, C., Murphy, B., & Richardson RFPD. (2012, January). Basic Principles of

Radar. https://www.richardsonrfpd.com/docs/rfpd/Richardson-RFPD_Basic-

Principles-of-Radar.pdf

2. Federal Aviation Administration. (2020, August 28). Primary and Secondary

Surveillance Radar. https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/technology/asr-11/

3. RF Safety FAQ. (2020, October 14). Federal Communications Commission.

https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/

radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety

4. Bause, T. (2009, January 19). Radar set to safeguard airspace•. The Namibian.

https://www.namibian.com.na/2217/archive-read/Radar-set-to-safeguard-

airspace&8226--THE

5.

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