How does increasing the radar beam width affect target resolution?

Increasing the radar beam width reduces target resolution because a wider beam encompasses a larger area of space. When the radar beam is wider, multiple targets within that larger area may not be distinguished from one another, making it difficult to identify and differentiate individual targets.

In radar systems, resolution is dependent on the ability to resolve two separate targets as distinct objects. A narrower beam width allows for more precise targeting since it focuses the radar energy on a smaller area, giving a clearer picture of the environment and enabling better separation of closely positioned objects. Consequently, widening the beam compromises the radar's ability to resolve these details, leading to decreased target resolution.

In summary, while increasing the beam width can have benefits such as increased coverage area or sensitivity to weaker signals, it comes at the cost of target resolution, rendering the capability to identify and classify targets less effective.