What is "Pulse-Doppler radar"?

Pulse-Doppler radar is a sophisticated radar system that combines the principles of pulse radar and the Doppler effect. It utilizes pulse signals for transmitting energy and measures the frequency shifts of the returned echoes to detect and track moving targets. This capability to analyze frequency shifts allows Pulse-Doppler radar to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, making it particularly effective for applications such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, and military surveillance.

In more detail, the use of pulse signals enables the radar to determine the range to a target by measuring the time it takes for the radar wave to travel to the object and back. The incorporation of the Doppler effect is crucial because it provides information about the velocity of the target based on changes in frequency of the returned signal. When a target is moving towards the radar, the frequency of the returned signal increases, whereas if it is moving away, the frequency decreases. This dual functionality allows Pulse-Doppler radar to offer enhanced detection and tracking capabilities.