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Radar & Optical Horizon

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Horizon distance - how far a radar or an observer can see - as a function of antenna/eye height.

Formula

$$ d_\text{radar} \approx 2.23 \sqrt{h}, \quad d_\text{optical} \approx 2.072 \sqrt{h} $$

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$h$Height above sea levelmship layout
$d$Horizon distancenmresult

Sources

  • IEC 62388 - Radar performance.
  • Bowditch Ch.13.