Which radar signal characteristic is the greatest contributor to the useful detection range of a radar system?

The reason transmission power is the greatest contributor to the useful detection range of a radar system is that it directly affects how far the radar signal can travel before it becomes too weak to be detected. Higher transmission power allows the radar to send out stronger signals that can bounce back from distant objects, making them more detectable.

Increasing the output power enhances the signal-to-noise ratio at greater distances, thus improving the ability to detect weaker returns that may come from distant or small targets. This capability is essential for effective radar performance, as it allows the radar system to operate effectively even in challenging conditions such as environmental noise or interference.

While other factors such as signal frequency, receiver sensitivity, and the physical size of the radar do contribute to detection capabilities, none have as direct and significant an impact on detection range as transmission power. Signal frequency can influence target resolution and propagation conditions, receiver sensitivity determines the ability to detect weak signals, and the physical size of the radar can affect beamwidth and aperture gain. However, without sufficient transmission power, the radar system may fail to detect even nearby objects.