AP 3302 Pt. 3
Section 1
CHAPTER 4
Some examples of the uses of pulsed radar
Introduction
One of the easiest ways of consolidating the information given in the previous chapters is to consider some typical applications of pulse-modulated radar. Only a few examples are chosen, because radar has very many applications; and of the examples selected, only the basic outline and the general idea of the operation of each can be considered at this stage; more detailed information is given in later chapters. Furthermore, many of the equipments mentioned in the following paragraphs have been superseded by more modern types of radar, some of which are classified and cannot be considered here. Nevertheless, it is only the basic principles with which we are concerned in this book and these remain, in general, unaltered.
Ground-controlled Interception (GCI)
Without the assistance of ground-based primary radar installations, even well-equipped, high-performance interceptor (fighter) aircraft and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) would be useless. It is only on the information supplied by the ground radars that defences can be activated and properly controlled. Let us see how radar is used in the interception and destruction of an incoming hostile aircraft. Fig 1 shows that there are several stages in a ground controlled interception:
1. Ideally, the target should be detected at very long range (250 nautical miles (nm) or so) so that our defences are given early warning. This is the function of the air defence surveillance (search) radars, which provide the range and bearing of the target.
