How does airport radar work

Common aviation radars will filter out small, slow-moving objects , so even a metallic or carbon-composite airframe several centimeters across will not be detected.

Radar is used in fighter aircraft for finding enemy aircraft and controlling air-to-air missiles, rockets, and guns . It is used in bombers to find surface targets, fixed or moving, and to navigate and avoid obstacles.

1) Clouds. Radar beams reflect off nearly everything, including clouds. But before NEXRAD radar images are sent to your iPhone, non-precipitation items are filtered out, including clouds. Unless it’s rain or snow , chances are it’s not showing up on your radar image.