What are the two general classes of antennas most commonly used with radar?

The two general classes of antennas most commonly used with radar are omnidirectional and directional antennas.

Omnidirectional antennas radiate power uniformly in all directions, making them ideal for applications where it is essential to detect incoming signals from any angle. This type of antenna is particularly useful in scenarios such as early warning systems and weather radar, where coverage in all directions is beneficial.

On the other hand, directional antennas focus the energy in a specific direction, allowing for greater gain and improved resolution. This is crucial in radar applications where it is necessary to track a particular target or obtain detailed information about objects at a specific angle. Directional antennas are therefore commonly used in military applications, air traffic control, and various forms of surveillance radar, where the ability to point the antenna directly at an object enhances performance.

This combination of both omnidirectional and directional antennas allows radar systems to effectively and efficiently analyze signals in a variety of environments, optimizing both coverage and target resolution.