TABLE OF CONTENTS Throughout the previous chapters on modeling and analysis, radar performance estimates start from idealized models and theory, from which departures in practical systems are described by "loss" factors. This procedure has the advantage that a theoretical upper limit to performance is established, against which systems and subsystems can be measured. Factors that prevent attainment of the ideal performance can be identified, and potential improvements can be evaluated for technical or operational feasibility and cost consequences.
In this chapter the many individual loss components are summarized and categorized according to the point at which they enter the radar system and the radar equation in which they appear. Loss factors not previously modeled are detailed here. References are made to Mathcad programs included on the accompanying disk. The details contained in these programs may readily be viewed by opening the files in their HTML format, without running Mathcad.
The idealized radar system is defined as follows:
A specified waveform is generated and applied to the transmitting antenna, during an observation period (or dwell time) t o, with the full transmitter peak and average powers P t and P av.
The antenna radiates the signal with uniform gain G 0 t, = 4 ? A t/ ? 2, where A t = w th t is the area of the transmitting antenna, in a rectangular beam having solid angle ? bt
