What is Echo Averaging?

• A. A technique where echoes received from stable targets appear at almost the same position for every rotation of the sweep
• B. A method for predicting target speed
• C. A method to calibrate antenna alignment
• D. A process to filter weather echoes

Answer: (A)

Echo averaging is a technique that smooths radar returns by averaging echoes from several successive sweeps. For a stationary target, the reflected signal arrives at nearly the same bearing and range on each rotation, so averaging the echoes keeps that target at essentially the same position across sweeps. The process reinforces the true signal while reducing random fluctuations and clutter, yielding a more stable, clearer indication of the target’s location. It isn’t about predicting speed, calibrating antenna alignment, or specifically filtering weather echoes.