FCC Exam Question: 8-2A4

If a target is 5 miles away, how long does it take for the RADAR echo to be received back at the antenna?

A. 51.4 microseconds.
B. 123 microseconds.
C. 30.75 microseconds.
D. 61.7 microseconds.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A RADAR echo travels from the antenna to the target and back, meaning it covers twice the stated distance. For a target 5 miles away, the total travel distance for the pulse is 10 miles. In amateur radio and general radar calculations, "miles" in distance problems are often interpreted as *nautical miles*. A common constant for radar range calculations states that a radio wave travels one nautical mile and returns (a round trip) in approximately 12.36 microseconds. Therefore, for a target 5 nautical miles away, the total time for the echo to be received back at the antenna is $5 \text{ nautical miles} \times 12.36 \text{ microseconds/nautical mile (round trip)} = 61.8 \text{ microseconds}$. This value closely matches option D. Other options do not align with standard radar calculation constants.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.