What are continuous wave radars?

Continuous wave radars are characterized by their ability to emit radiation continuously rather than in bursts or intermittent fashion. This constant emission allows these radars to effectively measure relative motion between the radar and targets through the Doppler effect. By continuously transmitting a signal and receiving the reflected waves, these radars can accurately determine the velocities of objects, which is particularly useful for applications like surveillance and tracking moving targets.

The nature of continuous wave signals helps in maintaining a consistent level of detection, enabling the radar to provide real-time data without interruption. This feature is vital in environments where ongoing monitoring is required, such as in air traffic control or maritime navigation. Understanding continuous wave radars involves recognizing their operational principles and advantages in specific meteorological and tracking scenarios.