A comparison of the use of Ka-band and J-band for medium range surveillance applications

There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account when performing a comparison between the two frequency bands, and these are briefly outlined. They fall into two broad categories, those that are determined by the environment in which the radar must operate, and the limitations that are set by available technology. The author pays more attention to the former as it is felt that they are more fundamental. The five environmental factors that were considered are: atmospheric attenuation, precipitation and water vapour absorption, ground and sea clutter, jamming and ambiguities. The technological limitations are: transmitter power, size and weight, and cost. In order to make a fair comparison, a representative requirement was considered and the results of varying some of the parameters were noted for equivalent Ka-band and J-band solutions