Which band provides better bearing discrimination in radar systems?

• A. S-Band
• B. None; they are the same
• C. X-Band
• D. Both bands equally

Answer: (C)

Bearing discrimination in radar improves when the beam is narrower. The beamwidth, which sets angular resolution, scales with wavelength over antenna diameter (approximately theta ≈ lambda / D). For a fixed antenna size, using a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) reduces lambda and shrinks the beam, giving better ability to distinguish between closely spaced bearings.

X-band uses a shorter wavelength than S-band, so with the same antenna, it produces a narrower beam and thus better bearing discrimination. S-band, with its longer wavelength, yields a wider beam and less precise bearing determination. Therefore, the X-band provides better bearing discrimination.