Does rain affect the millimeter wave radars?

[FalcoGer]

I was wondering if weather would significantly affect the effectiveness of millimeter wavelength radars. Given their short wavelength they provide good resolution, but those wavelengths are also easily absorbed by moisture. How would weather affect the radar picture? Will this be simulated?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_absorption_by_water

[FalcoGer]

@BIGNEWY

I don't know why this was moved to wishlist. I just inquired about the effect of water on the radar.

Edited February 7, 2023 by FalcoGer

[NineLine]

Ok, it wasnt clear what you were going for, as far as real world info then I moved it here now. Thanks. 

[TheFreshPrince]

Yes it does, that's why we have weather radars.

Zitat

 

This article explains a lot about it:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_radar

In WW2 this was a problem, but filtering the radar is what makes the difference today. I don't think this is modeled in DCS, but if so, it would only affect older planes. 

[Dragon1-1]

Filtering does help, but precipitation and humidity in general do affect modern radars. None of this is modeled in DCS, and the effect would be subtle, but weather should make a difference even for advanced radars, and much more so for older sets, which have less filtering. I think MiG-21 might have some sort of weather effects implemented, but nothing as nice as clouds showing up on the scope.

That said, our upcoming Herc will have a dedicated weather radar. Once that tech is developed, it could be applied to other modules. Modern ones would see a target a few NM closer and perhaps be slightly more susceptible to notching, while, say, MiG-19 could run into trouble finding targets in the clouds.