Drone detection radar manufacturers generally agree that radar systems can be categorized into various types based on different classification criteria, each with distinct technical characteristics and application scenarios. Scientific classification not only aids in a deeper understanding of the core functions of radar but also provides critical guidance for practical industry applications. Below is a summary of radar types and their typical application scenarios based on mainstream classification methods.

1. By Function
  • Search Radar: Used for large-scale, long-range target detection.
  • Tracking Radar: Continuously monitors the position and trajectory of specific targets.
  • Identification Radar: Used for target attribute discrimination and identification.
  • Imaging Radar: Generates high-resolution 2D or 3D target images.
2. By Signal Type
  • Pulse Radar: Transmits intermittent pulse signals, suitable for ranging and target detection.
  • Continuous Wave Radar: Continuously emits electromagnetic waves, often used for velocity measurement and short-range detection.
  • Pulse Compression Radar: Enhances range resolution and overall detection performance.
  • Frequency-Agile Radar: Improves anti-jamming and low probability of intercept capabilities through rapid frequency switching.
3. By Angle Tracking Method
  • Monopulse Radar: Achieves high-precision, rapid angle tracking.
  • Conical Scan Radar: Accomplishes target tracking via rotating antenna beams.
4. By Measured Parameters
  • Height-Finding Radar: Measures target altitude.
  • Velocity Measurement Radar: Detects target speed.
  • 2D Radar: Provides target range and azimuth information.
  • 3D Radar: Simultaneously acquires target range, azimuth, and altitude data.
  • Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Radar: Identifies whether a target is friendly or hostile to prevent misengagement.
5. By Radiation Source
  • Active Radar: Actively transmits and receives electromagnetic signals.
  • Passive Radar: Does not actively transmit signals; relies on external radiation sources for detection.
6. By Technology and Signal Processing Method
  • Coherent/Non-Coherent Integration Radar: Distinguishes whether signals undergo coherent integration processing.
  • Moving Target Indication/Detection Radar: Filters out background clutter to highlight moving targets.
  • Pulse Doppler Radar: Measures target velocity based on the Doppler effect.
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Achieves long-range, high-resolution imaging.
  • Track While Scan (TWS) Radar: Tracks multiple targets while scanning, suitable for continuous multi-target monitoring.
7. By Antenna Scanning Method
  • Mechanically Scanned Radar: Achieves beam scanning through physical antenna rotation.
  • Phased Array Radar: Electronically controls beam direction for more flexible and rapid scanning.
  • Frequency-Scanned Radar: Changes beam direction by varying frequency.
8. By Technical Field

With technological advancements, new radar types continue to emerge, including:

  • Microwave Radar
  • Lidar
  • Microwave Photonic Radar
  • Terahertz Radar
  • Quantum Radar
9. By Practical Application

Radar is widely used across various industries, with common types including:

  • Early Warning Radar
  • Guidance Radar
  • Measurement Radar
  • Space Exploration Radar
  • Earth Observation Radar
  • Fire-Control Radar
  • Weather Radar
  • Air Traffic Control Radar
  • Navigation Radar
  • Automotive Collision Avoidance Radar

Radars for different applications vary significantly in operating frequency bands, technical architectures, and deployment platforms, catering to diverse user groups and market segments.

10. Detailed Overview of Early Warning Radar

Early warning radar is primarily used for continuous search and surveillance of large airspace and multiple batches of targets, aiming to rapidly obtain a comprehensive aerial situational awareness. This type of radar typically emphasizes omnidirectional coverage and continuous monitoring capabilities, with relatively lower requirements for precision and resolution. The main categories are as follows:

1. Space-Based Early Warning Radar

Deployed on space platforms such as satellites, used for wide-area continuous monitoring and early warning of aerial targets.

2. Air-Based Early Warning Radar

Includes airborne early warning radar, tethered balloon-mounted radar, and stratospheric airship radar, suitable for long-term identification and surveillance of maritime and aerial targets.

3. Land-Based Early Warning Radar

Divided into two categories:

  • Land-Based Strategic Anti-Missile Early Warning Radar: Used for long-range search, tracking, and identification of ballistic missiles, supporting national anti-missile and early warning systems.
  • Land-Based Air Defense Early Warning Radar: Responsible for alerting, guiding, low-altitude gap-filling, and joint surveillance of aerial targets such as aircraft. Covering ultra-long to medium-short ranges, it is a core component of modern air defense systems.

Through the above systematic classification, the technical framework and application diversity of drone detection radar can be more comprehensively understood, providing clear and practical reference for product development, equipment selection, and system deployment.

Further Reading

(Note: The original “Radar Tutorial” (radartutorial.eu), though high-quality, is a personal website. It has been replaced with the NOAA’s official radar科普 page, which is more authoritative and stable.)