Radar Cross Range Resolution Explained

This page explains the concept of Cross Range Resolution in radar systems and provides the relevant equation.

Cross Range Resolution refers to the radar’s ability to distinguish between multiple objects or targets that are located at the same range (distance from the radar). It’s essentially the resolution capability in the direction perpendicular to the radar antenna’s axis.

There are two primary types of radar cross range:

• Azimuth (or Horizontal) Cross Range: Deals with distinguishing targets separated horizontally at the same distance.
• Elevation (or Vertical) Cross Range: Deals with distinguishing targets separated vertically at the same distance.

Radar antennas that emit narrow beams possess a greater ability to resolve targets that are positioned very closely together in the cross-range dimension.

The cross range resolution can be calculated using the following equation:

Where:

• $\Delta x$ = Radar Cross Range Resolution (measured in meters)
• $R$ = Target Range (distance to the target)
• $L_{eff}$ = Effective length of the antenna in the direction where the beamwidth is to be measured
• $\lambda$ = Wavelength of the radar signal