Forum: Technology

When I see a diagram of say a Russian EASA radar (for example) detection range, what does it actually mean? Is that the maximum range under ideal circumstances, typical detection range under all conditions or maximum positive ID range? I guess I could go on but I think that gets the idea across.

According to this the N011M will detect an F-22 at about 10-15 miles (I know he's already dead) but, does that mean at 15 miles the Russian plane will even know what it is, or will he need to wait until 8 miles to get a positive ID or even a radar lock for that matter? I'm not looking for specifics, but is that graph total crap kinda like a "500 watt" Home Theater in A Box (in case you don't know, you'll NEVER get 500 watts out of a system that says 500 watt maximum output and if you do you'll need new fuses). Also does atmospheric conditions affect radar detection range, clouds or other phenomena? It looks like the F-15C radar will see a typical bogey at about 120 miles, would that mean only dead ahead or slightly off boresight, and does that mean he will see them at that range every time, or is that the maximum? I've listened to a couple actual engagement radio transmissions and our planes have a bogey on radar but are waiting for AWACS for positive ID before engaging. Now obviously I don't know specifics about range or other factors, but it seems to me you will see something on radar long before you know what it is.

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This is the classic "if anybody knows they can't say, so any answer you get is a guess" kind of question.

Publicly available data is either:
1) Inflated for marketing purposes (ala your stereo analogy)
2) Under reported for security purposes ('They'll think we can't see them, but we can!')
3) "Hello, Marketing Dep- What do you mean that wasn't supposed to go on the website?!!!"

Forum: Technology

Question about radars