Radar operating modes

Radar can be used in a variety of fashions. Since it, like all systems, has limits, tradeoffs are required to make it best perform the specific task you most need right at the moment. The easiest way to see this in action is to look under the 'Radar controls' section of the manual for any modern microcomputer flight simulator. You will find the radar can operate in various modes, each of which is designed ot perform a certain task. Here are some examples:

• TRK: Tracking. Follow a specific target with maximum information; means you're not looking for new targets.
• TWS: Track While Scan. Follow a target or targets, but be alert for new signals.
• RWS: Range While Scan. Show the range of all targets; usually flag those with decreasing range.
• MTI: Moving Target Indicator. Show all targets which are in motion. Usually used on ground attack (strike) or surveillance aircraft such as JSTARS, AWACS or the P-3C Orion.
• Early warning. Announce any new targets, and search the maximal field of view for them.