What characteristic of radar affects its operational efficiency the most?

The operational efficiency of radar systems is significantly impacted by the transmission power. This is because transmission power determines the range and clarity of the radar signal. Higher transmission power allows for signals to travel farther and reflect off distant objects, enabling the radar system to detect targets at greater distances. It also affects the signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring that the radar can differentiate between actual targets and background noise, which is crucial for accurate detection and tracking.

While the cost of technology, size of the antenna, and number of sensors play important roles in the overall capabilities and functions of radar systems, transmission power directly influences how effectively the radar can operate in a variety of conditions, including weather interference and clutter. Therefore, maximizing transmission power is key to achieving operational efficiency in radar applications.