Which parameter determines Maximum Unambiguous Range (MUR)?

The Maximum Unambiguous Range (MUR) is a critical concept in radar systems, and it is primarily determined by the Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI). The PRI is the time interval between consecutive pulses transmitted by the radar system. This timing is crucial because it directly influences the radar's ability to accurately measure the distance to targets.

When a radar pulse is emitted, the system must wait for the echo of that pulse to return before it can send another pulse without risking ambiguity in range measurement. If the PRI is too short, the radar may send out a new pulse before the previous pulse's echo has returned, which could lead to confusion and incorrect readings regarding the location of a target. Therefore, the longer the PRI, the greater the distance that can be unambiguously measured.

In essence, the PRI sets the limit for how far away a target can be detected without ambiguity, making it a vital parameter in determining the Maximum Unambiguous Range. This understanding is essential for effective radar operations, as it allows operators to correctly interpret data regarding target distances.