radar beacon
Noun: A radar beacon is a device that, upon receiving a radar signal, automatically transmits a coded radio signal in response. This response signal helps navigators, pilots, or ship captains accurately determine their own position relative to the beacon's known location.
A radar beacon is a fixed navigational aid. It is interrogated by a ship's or aircraft's radar system, and its coded reply provides a precise bearing and distance to the beacon. - The pilot tuned the aircraft's transponder to the frequency of the radar beacon to get a precise fix on the airport's location. - Maritime navigation in the fog relies heavily on radar beacons to mark hazardous coastlines.
- Racon: This is a specific portmanteau term (from RAdar Beacon) commonly used in maritime contexts for a radar beacon that responds with a Morse code identification signal.
- The nautical chart indicated a racon at the entrance to the harbor.
- Transponder: A more general term for a device that receives a signal and automatically transmits a different signal in response. An aircraft's transponder is a type of radar beacon.
- Ramark: A type of radar beacon that continuously transmits a signal, painting a radial line on a radar display pointing to its location, rather than only responding when interrogated.
- Radar responder
- Racon (maritime specific)
The term "radar beacon" specifically refers to the ground-based (or sea-based) transmitter. The system requires a compatible interrogating radar (like a ship's radar) to complete the positioning function. It is a key component in systems like the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS).
- a device that, on receiving radar signals, transmits coded signals in response to help navigators determine their position