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ANarwhal
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Do blimps show up on radar? And if so, could somebody explain why? Is it the material they are made from (mylar/nylon)? Is it that their low density somehow gives an odd reflection?
NascentOxygen said:What's the bet that blimps are similarly equipped?
davenn said:would also depend on what else on the blimp was made of metal... the cockpit, passenger area, the engines etc...
There's sure to be some reflections, but they wouldn't really give a good indication of the full size.
davenn said:On another thought train tho ...
rain ... which is of course not metallic, reflects radar quiet easily. Us amateur radio operators use a number of microwave radio frequencies to do what is called rainscatter communications.
One wonders if a rain wet blimp would reflect radar easier/more efficiently than a dry one ?
A blimp shows up on radar due to its size and shape, which reflects the radar waves back to the source. The radar waves bounce off the blimp's surface and return to the radar's antenna, providing a visual representation of the blimp's location.
Yes, a blimp can be detected on radar in all weather conditions, including rain, fog, and clouds. Radar is able to penetrate through these weather conditions to detect the blimp's presence.
Radar can help guide a blimp's flight path by providing real-time location and altitude information. Pilots can use this information to adjust their course and maintain a safe distance from other aircraft or obstacles.
Yes, the size of a blimp does affect its visibility on radar. Larger blimps will have a stronger radar reflection, making them easier to detect on radar compared to smaller blimps.
No, radar is not the only way to track a blimp's movement. Blimps can also be tracked using GPS systems, which provide more precise location and movement data. However, radar is still an important tool for tracking blimps, especially in areas without GPS coverage.