What does the acronym RADAR stand for?

The acronym RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. This technology uses radio waves to detect and determine the distance to objects, such as aircraft, ships, and weather formations. The term essentially describes the mechanism of the system: it sends out radio waves, which then reflect off objects, allowing for the measurement of their distance based on the time it takes for the waves to return. This is critical in various applications, including aviation, maritime navigation, and meteorology, providing essential data for navigation, tracking, and surveillance purposes. The emphasis on both detection and ranging highlights the dual functionality of radars in identifying objects and measuring their distance from the radar source.