How to tell altitude with the radar?

[Manzanita]

Hey guys I'm failing to understand how you can (or even if you can) determine a target's altitude with the radar in the F-5E3. Any help would be much appreciated, thank you. :thumbup:

[IvanK]

From the Ancient Intercept pilots mantra:

 

Elev =Delta(H)/R

 

Where Delta(H) is in Hundreds of feet, Range is in NM

Elev in degrees.

 

Transposing then

 

Delta(H) = Elev x R

 

So lets say you have a target at 10nm and you are painting him strongly with an antenna elevation of 5 degrees up:

 

Delta(H) = 5 x 10 = 50

 

Then since Delta(H) is always in 100's of feet it means the target is 50 x 100 =5000ft higher than you. So just add this to your altitude and you have his altitude.

 

Using this another way you can Angle range against a jamming target as well if you know his Delta(H) and your elev if you are Angle locked.

[mattebubben]

And also if you have a solid lock and get close enough (might or might not be unique to the dogfight mode but dont think so)

you will get a small + symbol for were the target is in relation to you so if you put that Symbol in the middle of the radar display (in the cricle)

then you "should" get the enemy just infront of you when you get visual.

 

(Atleast that is my experience)

[diditopgun]

Thanks IvanK ! Useful method !

[Manzanita]

From the Ancient Intercept pilots mantra:

 

Elev =Delta(H)/R

 

Where Delta(H) is in Hundreds of feet, Range is in NM

Elev in degrees.

 

Transposing then

 

Delta(H) = Elev x R

 

So lets say you have a target at 10nm and you are painting him strongly with an antenna elevation of 5 degrees up:

 

Delta(H) = 5 x 10 = 50

 

Then since Delta(H) is always in 100's of feet it means the target is 50 x 100 =5000ft higher than you. So just add this to your altitude and you have his altitude.

 

Using this another way you can Angle range against a jamming target as well if you know his Delta(H) and your elev if you are Angle locked.

 

thank you, this explains it. :thumbup: