6.72 Radar Procedures

6.72.2 State the two types of radar currently used in New Zealand.

New Zealand is almost completely covered by primary and secondary radar.

6.72.4 Describe the method of operation of each type of radar

Primary Radar

Works on the ‘echo’ principle, that is, signals sent from the ground based radar aerial strike an aircraft and scatter in many directions. 

Some of these scattered signals return to the radar aerial. 

The time taken between the signals leaving the radar aerial and returning to it is a function of distance.

Secondary Radar

Works on a slightly different principle.