What type of RADAR is used to illuminate the target with RF energy?

The type of radar that is used to illuminate a target with RF energy is Continuous Wave (CW) Radar. This radar system continuously transmits RF energy, allowing it to maintain illumination on the target at all times. Continuous Wave Radar operates by emitting a constant signal, and the reflected energy from the target is analyzed to determine various characteristics, such as velocity and distance, based on the Doppler shift and timing of the received signals.

This continuous transmission effectively illuminates the target, making it possible to track moving objects accurately. Unlike pulsed radar systems, which send out short bursts of energy and then listen for echoes, CW Radar keeps the target illuminated throughout its operation, making it particularly useful in applications like speed detection and tracking where continuous information is critical.

In contrast, other radar types mentioned may have different operational characteristics that do not emphasize constant illumination of the target. For example, Pulsed Wave Radar emits energy in discrete pulses, whereas Search Radar typically focuses on detecting and locating multiple targets in a larger area rather than maintaining continuous illumination on a single target.