6
RADAR REFLECTOR DESIGN
A professional radar reflector produces a much stronger return of the radar signal
than might be expected from its modest dimensions.
The
conventional radar reflector
consists
of three mutually perpendicular metal
plates which, viewed together, form a
pocket (Fig. 1). If one of these pockets
were to be placed on a flat surface (Fig.
2), a line rising perpendicularly from the
flat surface to the peaked junction of the
three sides of the plates would be called
the “axis of symmetry.” The inner sides of
the pocket, which form the corners of the reflector, reflect the radar signal back to its
originating source with high levels of effectiveness over angles that vary from the
axis of symmetry by 20° or more.
Figure 1
Figure 2
The
Echomaster radar reflector
, an octahedral cluster of eight pockets, uses the
principle of the axis of symmetry to full advantage (Fig. 3). In the “catch rain” posi-
tion, it allows three of the pockets of the
reflector to be depressed 20° and three
of the pockets to be elevated 20°. With
the radar reflector oriented in this man-
ner, the Echomaster assures the highest
probability of detection from all points
surrounding the boat.
Figure 3
Deluxe Echomaster 153 in the
“catch rain” position (automat-
ically obtained by using the
harness system).
In the
“catch rain” position,
optimum 360°
azimuth coverage is provided, azimuth being the
great circle about a fixed refence point (the
reflector).
An understanding of the radar echo pattern for
an Echomaster mounted in the “catch rain” posi-
tion may be gained from Figure 4.
