What is the normal source of dry air for a radar system on a ship?

The normal source of dry air for a radar system on a ship is the ship's central dry-air system. This system is specifically designed to provide controlled, dry air to sensitive equipment such as radar systems, which are highly susceptible to moisture that can degrade performance and reliability.

Using the ship's central dry-air system ensures that the air delivered is processed and moisture is removed effectively, maintaining optimal operational conditions. This is particularly important in a marine environment where humidity levels can fluctuate greatly.

In contrast, portable air tanks, while potentially useful in some applications, do not provide a systematic or continuous source of dry air necessary for ongoing operation. An external dry air supply might not be readily available or practical in all situations, and relying on chemical drying agents can introduce other variables, such as the need for monitoring and replacing these agents, which may not be feasible or efficient for ongoing support of radar systems.