Question 34D5

A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) operates by responding to X-band (3 cm) marine radar signals. When interrogated by a radar pulse, the SART transmits a distinctive signal to appear on the interrogating radar's display. The characteristic SART transmitted signal begins with a very fast 0.4 microsecond (µs) sweep across the entire 3 cm radar band (approximately 9.2-9.5 GHz). This is immediately followed by a slower, returning sweep of 7.5 µs back across the band. This unique frequency modulation pattern, repeated several times (typically 12 sweeps for the full response), creates a line of 12 equally spaced dots radiating outward from the SART's position on the radar screen. This pattern clearly distinguishes a SART from other radar targets or clutter, indicating a distress situation. Options A, B, and D describe incorrect sweep durations, patterns, or numbers of sweeps, which would not produce the internationally recognized SART display on a radar.