Radar Reflectors - Is this study credible?

[kev_rm]

https://www.ussailing.org/wp-content...ector-Test.pdf

[a64pilot]

Probably, I’m surprised at the claimed RCS, it seems high, but the grouping if you will is likely correct.
It’s simply a matter of size, majority of Radar reflectors just simply aren’t big enough to really add all that much to an average fiberglass boat with a mast and rigging.

To really increase your visibility by a significant amount, you need one that would be objectionably large.

Unless you go active, then of course it’s not size, but transmission power that determines perceived size, a powerful enough transmitter could make you as visible as a Super Tanker.

[mabowers]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Probably, I’m surprised at the claimed RCS, it seems high, but the grouping if you will is likely correct.
It’s simply a matter of size, majority of Radar reflectors just simply aren’t big enough to really add all that much to an average fiberglass boat with a mast and rigging.

To really increase your visibility by a significant amount, you need one that would be objectionably large.

Unless you go active, then of course it’s not size, but transmission power that determines perceived size, a powerful enough transmitter could make you as visible as a Super Tanker.

The Sea-Me is an active transponder. It costs more than my radar.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by mabowers

The Sea-Me is an active transponder. It costs more than my radar.

Does it transmit to both frequencies and is it visible to modern broadband / etc radars?


I checked some time ago and back then it did not.



What good an active device that covers only small part of the spectrum.


b.

[mabowers]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Does it transmit to both frequencies and is it visible to modern broadband / etc radars?


I checked some time ago and back then it did not.



What good an active device that covers only small part of the spectrum.


b.

The current model says "dual band". I don't have one, they are pricey.