What is the principle behind tracking a target with radar?

The principle behind tracking a target with radar is based on the continuous measurement of the target's position through received return signals. Radar systems operate by emitting radio waves towards a target. When these waves hit an object, they bounce back to the radar system. The system then calculates the distance to the target by measuring the time it takes for the waves to return, as well as determining the target's speed and direction of movement based on the Doppler effect and changes in frequency of the returning signals. This process allows radar to maintain an accurate and real-time tracking capability of moving targets, making it an essential tool for navigation, surveillance, and targeting in various applications.

Visual cues, audio signals, and satellite imagery do not provide the same accuracy or real-time tracking functionality as radar systems. Visual cues might be helpful in some situations but are limited by visibility, while audio signals are not suitable for tracking distances. Satellite imagery can provide a broader view of an area but lacks the dynamic real-time tracking capability of radar, especially for fast-moving or maneuvering targets. This is why the continuous measurement of a target's position through received return signals is central to radar tracking.