The Tracer's AN/APS-82 radar compared earlier and current pulses so moving aircraft could be distinguished from stationary background returns and sea or terrain clutter. Testing indicated a 250-to-300-mile picture around the aircraft. That sensor reach let combat air patrols operate farther out and allowed ASW aircraft to work inside a larger protected bubble. The fleet gained more distance in which to classify and intercept threats.
Notable Point · 30:30-33:55
Moving-target indication turns radar range into defensive depth
The AN/APS-82's moving-target indicator filtered clutter and helped carrier groups use a 250-to-300-mile warning picture as layered defensive space.