6.2    STRENGTH OF REFLECTION FROM THE TARGET 
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6.2  STRENGTH OF REFLECTION FROM THE 
TARGET 
 
The signal intensity reflected from a target depends not only on the height and size of the target but also on its 
material and shape.    The echo intensity from a higher and larger target is not always higher in general. 
In particular, the echo from a coast line is affected by the geographic conditions of the coast. 
If the coast has a very gentle slop, the echo from a mountain of the inland appears on the radar display. 
Therefore, the distance to the coast line should be measured carefully. 
 
Mountain displayed
on the radar display
Sea shore line not displayed
on the radar display.
HL
 
 
Figure 6.2 
 
 
Table 6.1 shows the graph indicating the relation between the target detection distance and the radar reflection 
cross-sectional  area  (RCS)  with  regard  to  the  type  and  the  height  of  the  target  in  a  situation  in  which  the 
weather is good, the sea state is calm and the radio wave propagation is normal. As revealed by this table, even 
on  the  same sea  shore line,  detection  distance  greatly  differs depending on  the  height  of  the  target from  the 
surface  of  the sea.  Furthermore, because  the  target detection  distance  is  greatly influenced by  the shape and 
material of the target and environmental conditions, such as the sea state, weather, and radio wave propagation, 
caution should be taken when detecting distance of target.