🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between S-band (~10 cm wavelength) and X-band (~3 cm wavelength) RADAR • How rain, sea clutter, and weather affect different radar wavelengths • Meaning of bearing resolution and what determines it (wavelength vs. beamwidth)

💭 Think About

• Think about which radar band is preferred in heavy rain or bad weather and why the longer wavelength matters. • Consider what design factors mainly control bearing resolution: is it frequency/wavelength alone, or antenna size and beamwidth? • Ask yourself: which of these choices is a commonly cited operational reason for installing an S-band set alongside an X-band on large ships?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which band is known to penetrate rain and precipitation better. • Check whether bearing resolution is typically better with shorter or longer wavelengths for a given antenna size. • Confirm from your study materials whether S-band’s main advertised benefit is about weather performance or something like mechanical complexity/power.