What ability distinguishes between two or more targets on the same bearing but at different ranges?

The ability to distinguish between two or more targets on the same bearing but at different ranges is called range resolution. This concept is crucial in radar systems, where it enables the detection and identification of multiple objects that may be positioned along the same line of sight but at varying distances.

Range resolution is achieved by the radar's ability to emit pulses of a specific width and analyze the reflected signals, allowing it to discern targets based on the time delay between the transmission and reception of the signals. The shorter the pulse width, the better the system can resolve closely spaced objects.

In this context, while target separation refers to distinguishing targets in generalized terms, range resolution specifically pertains to the capacity to differentiate targets based solely on their distances. Signal differentiation and angular resolution focus on other aspects of target detection, such as frequency or angle, rather than the linear distance aspect that range resolution addresses. Thus, range resolution distinctly identifies and separates targets that may fall within the same angular path but are set apart by different ranges.