How does flying low keep you off the radar?
In: Technology
When using radar to find flying objects, you are limited by what is known as line of sight. This means that you cannot see through obstructions, such as the terrain. The lowest point your radar signal is restricted to is the horizon from where you are. Since the Earth is round, that point gets lower the farther away it is from you.
So when an airplane is flying low enough at a distance, you won’t be able to see them as the curvature of the Earth prevents your signal from reaching them.
This is why many nations try to place their radar sites on higher elevations and some countries even have specialized aircraft with powerful radars on them.
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