What influences the maximum range of a radar system?

The maximum range of a radar system is primarily influenced by pulse duration and repetition frequency. Pulse duration refers to the amount of time that the radar transmits a signal. A longer pulse can improve the likelihood of returning echoes being detected, which can enhance the radar's range. However, if the pulse is too long, it may limit the radar's ability to detect multiple targets due to reduced temporal resolution.

Repetition frequency indicates how often the radar sends out a pulse. If the repetition frequency is too low, it may take longer to gather information about a target, thus effectively reducing the radar’s range during a given timeframe. Higher repetition rates allow for more frequent observations and better range performance, up to a point where it might cause interference.

These two factors work together to define how far a radar system can effectively detect objects. While the other choices address important aspects of radar operation or environmental factors, they do not directly influence the radar’s maximum range as pulse duration and repetition frequency do. Understanding these dynamics is key to optimizing radar performance in various operational scenarios.