Federal Radar Spectrum Needs.pdf

Radars and Federal Government Applications

Radar fundamentals include the use of radio waves to detect and locate objects. Radar developments have led to the creation of various types of radars, including primary and secondary surveillance radars. Radar propagation limitations include the effects of atmospheric conditions and terrain on radar signals. General applications of federal government radars include air traffic control, weather forecasting, and military operations. Types of radars include primary surveillance radars, secondary surveillance radars, and Doppler radars.

Chapter 2: Radars and Spectrum Management

Spectrum certification of federal radar systems is required to ensure that radar systems operate within allocated frequency bands. Frequency allocation overview includes the allocation of frequency bands for various radio services, including radars. Radio services supporting radars include air traffic control, weather forecasting, and military operations. Radar trends include the use of higher frequency bands and increased power levels. Frequency bands supporting radar allocations include the S-band, C-band, and X-band. Erosion of radiolocation spectrum availability is a concern due to the increasing demand for spectrum.

Chapter 3: Radars and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radar frequency selection is critical to ensure that radar systems operate within allocated frequency bands. Radar frequency selection is influenced by the type of radar, the desired range and resolution, and the presence of interference. Chapter 4: Inventory of Federal Radar Use provides an overview of the types and numbers of federal radar systems in use.

Chapter 5: Radar Spectrum Requirements

Projected requirements for radars under systems review include the need for increased frequency and power levels. Increased military radar development is expected to drive the demand for spectrum. Projected requirements for current radar systems include the need for increased frequency and power levels. Expected radar systems for systems certification include the use of phased arrays and active electronically scanned arrays. Increased military radar usage is expected to drive the demand for spectrum. Total federal radar spectrum requirements include the need for increased frequency and power levels.