How long is chaff cut to optimize its performance?

Chaff is designed to create false radar echoes effectively, confusing enemy radar systems. Its length is critical for this purpose; it needs to be specifically tuned to the wavelengths of the radar signals it aims to deceive. The optimal length for chaff is typically one-half the wavelength of the target radar signal. This design ensures that when chaff is deployed, it resonates effectively with the radar frequencies, leading to greater scattering and producing a stronger false return signal.

This relationship between chaff length and radar wavelength is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of chaff as a countermeasure. Other lengths do not create as efficient a scattering effect for the target RADAR, which is why they are not optimal. Therefore, a cutting length of half the wavelength effectively increases the likelihood of overwhelming the radar system, successfully diverting attention away from the actual target.