Radar range and altitude

[Ctaardvark]

Am I right in thinking that effective radar range increases as an aircraft climbs? (curvature of the earth and all that). If so how come the radar range circle doesn't get larger as the aircraft climbs but stays the same? Surely it should?

 

[unmerged(255172)]

The radar range circle is simply a reference range that is independent of environmental factors, and is mostly useful for comparison. The real range is dependent on a lot of factors, including the radar cross section of the target, and, as you note, altitude. Altitude is a huge modifier.

 

[Ctaardvark]

Thanks for the swift answer Jan (great game btw), but surely having the actual range indicated would be more useful (or a close approximation if you wanted to keep the uncertainty in). In the above example for instance would going from sea level to maximum height double the range or merely up it by a small amount. IRL I fully understand that commanders would not know exactly how far their radars could reach but experience would surely give them some idea. We as gamers (certainly me) don't have that experience.

 

[unmerged(255172)]

I agree the range lines should reflect altitude. Good thought.

 

[unmerged(478227)]

What about counter-detection? Does altitude effect that?

IE., can an aircraft flying at 'very high' altitude be detected by enemy ground-based radar farther away than an aircraft flying at 'very low' altitude? I'd assume 'yes', but...

 

[unmerged(255172)]

You'd assume correctly, xanderf. Height of target is just as important.

In addition, no sensors can see through terrain, if you fly low (or even vlow) and place some land between you and the enemy sensors.

 

[unmerged(257468)]

That's what I do when I see missiles cominge or my E-3, full speed, radar off and nosedive.

 

[unmerged(400752)]

That's what I do when I see missiles cominge or my E-3, full speed, radar off and nosedive.

And Pray real hard ;-P