What purpose does the Pulse Doppler RADAR primarily serve?

The Pulse Doppler RADAR primarily serves the purpose of velocity assessment. This capability arises from its use of the Doppler effect, which allows the RADAR system to measure the frequency shift of the returned signal caused by the motion of an object. When a target is moving towards the radar, the frequency of the reflected signal increases, while if the target is moving away, the frequency decreases. By analyzing this frequency alteration, the system can determine both the speed and direction of the target's motion effectively.

While distance measurement, target illumination, and weather forecasting are important functions in the broader field of radar technology, they do not capture the unique benefits of the Pulse Doppler technique. Distance measurement typically relies on the time delay of the radar signal, rather than frequency changes. Similarly, target illumination relates to systems designed to provide a focus or mark on a target, such as laser guidance, which is not the primary focus of Pulse Doppler. Weather forecasting often uses different types of radar systems tailored to analyze precipitation and atmospheric conditions, rather than assessing the velocity of moving targets. The primary strength of Pulse Doppler systems lies in their velocity measurement capabilities, making it a critical tool in various applications, including aviation and missile tracking.