Radar Technology, History, Working Principles and Current Uses

Radar technology is a technology that dates back to the early 20th century and is used in a wide range of applications, from military applications to air traffic control, from weather forecasting to maritime security. In this article, the history of radars, their basic operating principles and their various uses today will be discussed.

History of Radar

The term radar is an abbreviation of the words "RAdio Detection And Ranging". Although studies on the reflection of radio waves by metals date back to the late 1800s (Hertz-1887, Huelsmeyer-1904), the history of radar mostly started with the invention of the magnetron in England in the 1930s. It has been explained in many sources that radar changed the course of the Second World War. The foundations of radar date back to the late 19th century. However, the real development of radar technology took place during World War II. It gained momentum during World War II. The first radar systems were intended for military use to detect and track enemy aircraft.

Working Principles of Radar

Radar is based on the principle that electromagnetic waves are sent to an object and these waves are reflected by the object. By receiving and processing the reflected signals, information such as the distance, speed and direction of the object is obtained. This basic principle is used with various modifications in different types of radar.

Classification of radars:

1.Radar Types and Classification Based on Special Function

The classification of radars according to their primary and secondary functions is as follows;

Primary Radars: They send high frequency signals to the target. These signals are reflected from the target and detected again by the radar. Information about the target such as direction, height and range can be received with these radars.

Secondary Radars: Secondary radars also send high-frequency pulses to the target, where the signals reflected from the target in the primary radar are detected and processed by transponders when they reach the target. The processed signals are prepared at a different frequency and sent back to the radar. On secondary radars, the identity of the target can also be recognized.

Pulse Radars: Pulse radars send pulses of high frequency and power towards the target. The first signal sent is waited before a second signal is sent. Since it waits in this way between pulses, it determines the parameters such as the selection of the repetition frequency of the pulse and the range of the radar.

Continuous Wave Radar: Provides continuous high-frequency signal transmission. It permanently receives and processes the reflected signal. Continuous wave radars use Doppler. Continuous wave radar transmits an unmodulated power. It can measure speed using only the Doppler effect. When it receives a reflected signal, this initially only indicates that there is an obstacle in the direction of the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

2.Classification According to Scanning Model

Conical Scan Radar: In the cone scan radar, the radar continuously sends signals and scans to detect the target at a certain angle and in a certain direction. The position of the radar is determined by a reflection on the radar screen. In the cone scanning method, the antenna diagram rotates around the central axis.

Tracking Radars During Scanning (TWS): Generally preferred in military systems, they are radars that constantly monitor the location of the target and process data about it. These radars measure a target's coordinates, determine its orbit, and predict its next location. The system can track a single target and does so with very high sensitivity. "Target Tracking Radar" is used as "Fire Control Radar" in the Turkish Armed Forces.

Electronic Scanning Radar: This system scans by electronically deflecting the scanning beam in horizontal and vertical angles while rotating in a horizontal angle. It is a new class of radar with a phased array antenna.

3. Radar Types According to Application Area

Weather Radars: Weather radars move the precipitation target and transmit electronic information about precipitation types such as snow, rain and hail. Meteorological radar (weather radar) determines whether there will be precipitation in the area covered by the radar within a few hours and, if so, the intensity of the precipitation. The intensity of precipitation is determined by meteorological radar colors.

Surveillance Radars: The primary application of radar is surveillance. Surveillance radars use high power, scanning antenna and are of medium resolution. These radars are preferred in areas such as detection and tracking of aircraft, missiles or space objects, and detection of fixed or moving surface targets.

Tracking Radar: Also known as fire control radars. They are used to continuously provide range and direction information of a single target. Tracking radars use very high PRF and very narrow pulse width.

Radar Types

With developing technology, different types of radar have emerged. They can be classified into different categories such as weather radars, marine radars, weather radars, ground radars and space radars. Each type is designed for specific needs and applications.

Usage Areas of Radars Today

Military Applications: Radar is used in the military field to detect enemy aircraft, missile tracking and air defense systems.

Air Traffic Control: Air traffic management is provided at airports by using radar systems for the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft.

Meteorology: For weather forecasting, radars are used to monitor precipitation, storms and other meteorological events.

Maritime Security: Marine radars are used to prevent ships from colliding with other objects and improve maritime security.

Space Observations: Space radars are used to monitor and map the earth's surface through orbiting satellites.

Radar Technologies and their areas of use in the military field:

Military radars play a critical role in security and reconnaissance operations. These technologies are used in military operations to detect enemy threats, control airspace, and provide strategic information. In this article, the history, operating principles and current state-of-the-art technologies of military radars will be discussed.

History of Military Radars

The first military radars, World War II. It was developed by England during World War II and was used to meet the need to detect German aircraft. An attempt was made to prevent German air raids and bombardments on England with this technology. Since then, radar technology has continuously evolved into more advanced systems that include features such as low radar signature, high resolution and long range.

Basic Working Principles of Military Radars

Military radars are based on the principle that electromagnetic waves interact with objects. High-frequency microwave signals are sent to detect enemy aircraft, missiles or other threats, and the target's location, speed and altitude are determined by analyzing the reflected signals.

Advanced Military Radar Technologies

AESAR (Active Electronically Scanned Radar): AESAR has a low radar signature thanks to its electronic scanning capability and can effectively respond to multiple threats.

AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control System): AWACS manages air traffic by monitoring a wide airspace and detects enemy aircraft at an early stage.

BMDR (Ballistic Missile Defense Radar): BMDR detects and tracks ballistic missiles, directs anti-missile systems and provides defense.

Advanced Image Generation Radars: High-resolution radars can clearly see targets flying at low altitudes and are effective even in complex environments.

Usage Areas of Military Radars

Air Defense Systems: Military radars constantly monitor the airspace, detect enemy aircraft and activate defensive measures.

Maritime Security and Combat Ships: Marine radars detect enemy ships and ensure the security of combat ships.

Ground Air Defense: Ground troops provide defense against enemy air attacks using radar systems.

Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Satellite radars and portable reconnaissance systems are used to obtain strategic information and monitor enemy activities.

Military radars play a vital role on modern battlefields. With constantly developing technology, radar systems become more powerful and provide superiority in military operations. Today, military radars have become an indispensable tool in security and intelligence operations as an important component of the defense industry.

What are the Radar technologies being developed today?

According to the South China Morning Post, the new quantum radar technology developed by Chinese scientists will be able to detect stealth aircraft by creating a small electromagnetic storm. Details of the technology have been published by the Chinese peer-reviewed Journal of Radars.

Conventional radars have a fixed or rotating dish, but a quantum radar's design is more like a ball and accelerates electrons to near the speed of light.

According to the report, electrons can create a microwave vortex after passing through a winding tube exposed to strong magnetic fields. And so on, sequentially, it progresses like a horizontal hurricane. It is evaluated that the project surpasses previously created quantum radar systems.

Zhang Chao from Tsinghua University explained that the elementary particles used in this artificial electromagnetic storm will exhibit strange properties. In the study, each particle maintains a spiral momentum that does not decrease over time and distance.

However, the researchers emphasize that “quantum mechanics bypasses late physicists' theories,” allowing the system to detect targets that a conventional radar could never see. Experts also explained that problematic weather conditions do not affect the detection technologies of quantum radar.

Stealth aircraft, such as the American F-22 Raptor or F-35, use a special coating material to absorb most of the radar waves and are not detected by conventional radars. If the system operates and is implemented in disputed airspace, it will be an advantage for the Chinese Air Force.

Conclusion

Radar technology has undergone significant evolution from past to present and has played a vital role in various fields. Nowadays, radars are widely used in many areas, from military defense to our daily life. With the advancement of technology, radar systems will further develop and find new application areas. It is considered that especially the newly developed QUANTUM radars will pioneer these innovations.