Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:01:53-4:02:09

Modern naval radars do not always transmit at full power

Powerful ship radars can vary their output, and peacetime operations normally use less than maximum power rather than radiating at full strength around other traffic.

Emissions ControlMerchant ShippingNaval RadarPeacetime OperationsRadar Emissions
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Question

Do powerful modern naval radars need a low-power mode when operating near merchant shipping?

Short answer

Yes in practice: their output can be varied, and they rarely operate at full power in peacetime.

Notes

A powerful modern warship radar could affect nearby merchant vessels, but its output is not fixed at the maximum. Full power is rarely necessary during ordinary peacetime operation. Lower settings allow the ship to maintain the picture it needs while reducing unnecessary emissions and potential interference. Peak power should not be mistaken for a radar's constant operating state.