RADAR

Microwaves - Radar for Military Applications



Microwaves - Radar for Military Applications

Introduction

Microwaves are radio waves which have wavelengths ranging from approximately 30 cm to 0.1 cm, or equivalently frequencies between 0.3 GHz to 300 GHz and can be generated by electronic devices. Although, there are different boundaries of microwave frequencies, in all cases microwave includes the entire super high frequency band (10 cm to 1 cm) at its minimum. Typically, the prefix “micro” in “microwave” is not the purpose of meaning that the wavelength is in a microwave instead of to indicate the microwave with very small wavelength compared to waves used in typical radio broadcasting. The prefix “micro” in a microwave does not mean that the wavelength of these waves is micro, but it show that the wavelength of these waves are highly smaller as compared to typical radio waves which are used for broadcasting.

Naturally microwaves are generated by different astronomical phenomena. Microwaves are commonly found in cosmic backgrounds radiations. Microwave term used by Nello Carrara in 1932 (Guerlac H et al, 1987, pp 32). During Second World War, it gained the importance. Because for the first time, microwaves were used in RADAR for military purpose.

Applications of Microwaves

Microwave finds widespread applications including satellite communication, remote sensing, heating, spectroscopy, radio astronomy, global navigation satellite systems and so on. However because of their short wavelengths, microwaves are well suited for radar in military and other air surveillance applications. In addition, they are used for studying the atomic and molecular properties of many matters. This report describes the applications of microwave in radar for military applications (Herwig J et al, pp 26). In addition to this, it also discusses the crucial impacts of microwave in human health.

Radar

The word RADAR stands for radio detection and ranging. It works by radiating electromagnetic waves energy and detecting the reflected signal back from the targets. It is an active device which can be used to track the speed, range and many other characteristics of the far away targets. Radar at different time intervals sends the burst of electromagnetic waves in the environment. These types of radars are called pulse radar. Timing of electromagnetic burst is the main aspect of pulse radars. There is another type of radar, which continuously sends out electromagnetic waves, known as continuous wave radars. Continuous radars are dependents on echo returns, which is why they require more complex signal receivers. Furthermore, the shape of the detected objects also can be determined which becomes now days by using some advanced systems. To locate the geographical area and to measure the distance radar is used. Radar is also used to locate the position at sea. In commercial airlines, the radar are equipped with so that the warn obstacles approaching their part provide an accurate altitude information. On the other hand, plane landing in a foggy weather can be made safe using the radar based ground-control assisted systems where the flight of the planes are observed on the radar screens (Barton D, 1988, pp ...