Which scan type employs a horizontally truncated paraboloid sweeping a beam around a full circle with steady elevation?

The scan type characterized by a horizontally truncated paraboloid sweeping a beam around a full circle while maintaining a steady elevation is known as the circular scan. This method allows for full coverage of the area surrounding the radar system, effectively enabling continuous monitoring of a designated volume of space. By maintaining a constant elevation, the circular scan can provide comprehensive tracking and detection capabilities over a broad azimuthal range. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios that require persistent surveillance, as it can seamlessly cover the horizon without interruption.

Other scan types, while useful in their own right, do not exhibit the same sweeping behavior around a full circle or may involve changing elevation, which differentiates them from the circular scan. This makes the circular scan an effective tool in electronic warfare and surveillance operations, ensuring that the radar system can detect potential threats from multiple directions without any gaps in coverage.