Radar & Optical Horizon
Horizon distance - how far a radar or an observer can see - as a function of antenna/eye height.
Radar horizon
11.2nm
Optical horizon
10.4nm
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Empirical formulae with refraction factor k = 4/3 for radar and k = 7/6 for visible light. Target detection range is the sum of own-ship horizon and target-height horizon.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height above sea level | m | ship layout | |
| Horizon distance | nm | result |