Radar frequency bands

When propagating through a medium, radar signals are absorbed and the signal strength decreases. High-frequency signals suffer more attenuation than low- and mid-frequency signals. Frequency also has an impact on the radar device antenna’s beam width and beam angle .

A frequency band of microwave radiation within which radars operate . The radar frequency bands were first designated by code letters for secrecy during World War II; these letters are still in common use, although the exact frequency intervals to which they apply have undergone some redefinition.

A radar system has a transmitter that emits radio waves known as radar signals in predetermined directions. When these signals contact an object they are usually reflected or scattered in many directions, although some of them will be absorbed and penetrate into the target.

Radar waves travel through the atmosphere at roughly 300,000 km per second (the speed of light). The range to a target is determined by measuring the time that a radar signal takes to travel out to the target and back.