Why are microwaves suitable for radar system used in aircraft navigation?
Radars use microwaves as they provide maximum resolution of the intended target because of its shorter wavelengths. Shorter wavelengths allow microwaves to bounce off even smaller aircrafts to detect them easily. Various types of radar use different wavelengths to 'see' or resolve different types of objects.
Weather radar uses one frequency while a surface search radar uses another. Target acquisition radars use a different frequency than do target tracking radars. Missiles use a different frequency still.
All of these are selected for their characteristics and performances under real situations. A lower frequency with more wavelength (radiowaves) can bend around the curvature of the earth better than a high-pitched frequency. But it requires much more power, and might miss smaller, more agile target like stealth drones.
Infrared waves have much smaller wavelengths than microwaves too but microwaves can penetrate through clouds better and can give information at various heights. Comparatively, infrared has lower penetration power than microwaves so, we can get information only from lower heights.
Radars use microwaves as they provide maximum resolution of the intended target because of its shorter wavelengths. Shorter wavelengths allow microwaves to bounce off even smaller aircrafts to detect them easily. Various types of radar use different wavelengths to 'see' or resolve different types of objects.
Weather radar uses one frequency while a surface search radar uses another. Target acquisition radars use a different frequency than do target tracking radars. Missiles use a different frequency still.
All of these are selected for their characteristics and performances under real situations. A lower frequency with more wavelength (radiowaves) can bend around the curvature of the earth better than a high-pitched frequency. But it requires much more power, and might miss smaller, more agile target like stealth drones.
Infrared waves have much smaller wavelengths than microwaves too but microwaves can penetrate through clouds better and can give information at various heights. Comparatively, infrared has lower penetration power than microwaves so, we can get information only from lower heights.
