The applet plots the two-way path loss between a radar transmitter and target over sea paths and indicates the likely detection range.
A standard atmosphere is modeled including the interference, diffraction and tropospheric scatter zones, for all polarizations, and wave and rainfall conditions.
The free-space propagation loss curve is displayed for comparison.
Heights 1 and 2 are the transmitter and receiver heights above local ground/sea level.
Rain loss for dry, light (0.25 mm/hr), medium (2.5 mm/hr), and heavy (25 mm/hr) precipitation are selected from the Rainfall drop-down menu.
Signal polarization is selected by mouse-clicking the relevant radio buttons.
Wave height assumes the conventional peak-to-trough definition.
Moving the mouse in range-loss space displays the plotted curves coordinates referred to the mouse x-axis position.
The radar detection range (if within the plot range) is displayed for the signal frequency, radar prime power and antenna gain, radar pulse width, and target radar cross section (RCS) selected.
The radar detection SNR + Noise Figure sum is assumed to be equal to 20 dB.
Default ranges in the range text boxes may be modified and the display updated using the relevant applet or keyboard Enter button.
The display automatically scales, dependent on the parameter values selected.