Radar System Engineering

CHAPTER 15
EXAMPLES
BY R. G.
OF RADAR SYSTEM DESIGN
HERB AND R. L. SINSHEIMER ,
16.1. Introduction.-The development of a new radar system may be
called for because of recognition of a new application for which radar has
not been used but for which its successful use appears possible. In
other cases, a development may be justified for an application where radar
is in successful use but where improved results could be expected by the
use of more modern equipment.
Early ideas dn a new system and initial proposals may come from a
development laboratory or from the potential users of the equipment.
Before design characteristics can be successfully crystallized, regardless
of the origin of a proposal, there must be an extensive interplay of ideas
and of information between specialists in the following categories: (1)
application specialists representing the potential using organization, who
must contribute necessary information on desirable performance characteristics,
limitations on size, weight, and power consumption, and
limitations on the number and skill of operators and maintenance men;
(2) component specialists, who must contribute information on the status
of development and on the limitations of the many component parts that
make up a complete system; (3) system specialists with experience in the
design and operation of radar systems.
Normally a man experienced in system design is best able to coordinate
the over-all development project. He must have a supporting group of
experienced systems men to assist on the design problem and to carry out
operational test work that may be desirable, and he must have the continued
advice and support of specialists of the first two categories listed
above.
Versatility .—Initial planning for a radar system may be made with
one specific application in mind. As plans progress, possibilities of
related applications are generally recognized and consideration is given
to including facilities that improve the system in versatility. The value
of versatility has been amply demonstrated, not only for meeting related
applications but for meeting changing conditions frequently encountered
in the central application.
Provision for versatility, unless ingeniously made, may cost heavily
in increased complexity, size, or weight; further, the utility of the set for
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