What does the acronym RADAR stand for?

The acronym RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. This term accurately describes the technology's fundamental operation, which involves the transmission of radio waves and measuring the time it takes for the reflected waves to return. This capability allows for the detection, location, and tracking of objects, such as aircraft or ships, by interpreting the signals that bounce back.

Understanding the function of RADAR is essential, especially in the context of low observable aircraft, as it relates to how these technologies can detect and identify potential threats. The terminology itself emphasizes the device's dual purpose: detecting the presence of an object and determining its distance through the measurement of radio wave propagation.