Subelement N: N – Marine— Topic 87: Survival Craft Equipment: VHF, SARTs & EPIRBs
Question 3-87N2
Element 3 (GROL)How should the signal from a Search And Rescue RADAR Transponder appear on a RADAR display?
Explanation
A Search And Rescue Transponder (SART) is designed to assist in locating survival craft by responding to radar signals. When an X-band radar (3 cm wavelength) signal from a searching vessel or aircraft hits the SART, the SART immediately transmits a series of 12 swept-frequency pulses.
These pulses appear on the radar display as a line of 12 equally spaced dots, extending outwards in range from the SART's actual position along its bearing line. This distinctive pattern is unique to SARTs, making them easily identifiable to rescuers. The "dots" are generated by the individual swept-frequency pulses from the SART, each appearing at a slightly different range due to the SART's internal processing and sweep characteristics. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe this specific radar signature.
Related Questions
3-86N6 Which of the following statements concerning SITOR communications is true?3-87N1 What causes the SART to begin a transmission?3-87N3 In which frequency band does a search and rescue transponder operate?3-87N4 Which piece of required GMDSS equipment is the primary source of transmitting locating signals?3-87N5 Which of the following statements concerning satellite EPIRBs is true?