Eli5: Radar are built to spin around, send out, and capture a signal to create a 360 degree image of the surrounding area that regularly updates.
One would think that you could build a stationary antenna that electronically pulses and limits the area it is searching to do the same thing, removing the complication of the moving parts.
Why isn’t this the norm? And is it even possible?
In: Engineering
They don’t.
You’re right. It is entirely possible to build radar systems that don’t require moving parts.
Why don’t they? Well, the general consensus was “ThEY’vE AlWaYS spUn LIkE ThAT!”
I never understood why. From a practical point of view, the fewer moving parts, the less maintenance it needs. Also, being able to wrap it around the mast would eliminate blind sectors.
But noo…still spinny-winny because…
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