Which band provides better bearing discrimination in radar systems?

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Multiple Choice

Which band provides better bearing discrimination in radar systems?

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.

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.

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