Radar Equation, 2-Way

These are the tried & true radar equations used for decades and can be found in many textbooks and desk references. Transmitter power, target distance and radar cross-section (RCS) are used along with free-space loss (Friis equation), and antenna gains to calculate the power that arrives at the input of the receiver. These equations cover both monostatic radar where the transmitter and receiver are in the same location and bistatic radar where the transmitter and receiver are in different locations (see drawings).

Here is information on propagation time, path loss, and Doppler.

Keep all units consistent. Losses due to atmospheric absorption and antenna polarization are not included.

Monostatic Radar Equation (Tx and Rx in same location)

  (wavelength)

  (frequency)

  (convert to dBW)

Bistatic Radar Equation (Tx and Rx in different locations)

  (wavelength)

  (frequency)

  (convert to dBW)

Related Pages on RF Cafe

- Introduction to Radar (Air University)

- Radar Equation, 2-Way (another)

- Radar Equation, 1-Way

- Radar Equation, Bistatic

- Radar Techniques - Primer (1945 QST)

- Radar Postage Stamps

- RF Cafe Quiz #7 - Radar Principles

- AN/MPN-14 USAF Radar Shop

- AN/TPN-19 USAF Radar Shop

- EW/Radar Handbook - Doppler Shift

- Doppler Shift Calculator

- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

- Radar Horizon / Line of Sight

- Radar Systems Vendors

- NEETS Radar Principles

- Radar System Vendors

- Who Invented Radar?

- Simple Modification Increases ATC Reliability