RADAR:- Radio Detection and Ranging
RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. It is a detection system which uses radio waves for determining the range, angle, or the velocity of objects. It is used for detecting aircraft, spacecraft, ships, guided missiles, weather formations, motor vehicles, and terrain. It consists of a transmitter producing electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwaves domain, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a receiver and processor to determine properties of the object or objects. Mostly the same antenna is used for receiving and transmitting. The radio waves which are either pulsed or continuous from the transmitters reflect off the object and return to the receiver. This gives information about the object’s location and speed. It was developed secretly during World War II for military use by several nations. In modern times, it is used for diverse functions such as air and terrestrial traffic control, air-defense systems, radar astronomy, marine radars to locate landmarks and other ships, aircraft anti-collision systems, anti-missile systems, ocean surveillance systems, outer space surveillance etc.
