Which feature of radar systems is crucial for detecting target proximity?

The feature that is crucial for detecting target proximity in radar systems is target resolution. Target resolution refers to the ability of the radar to distinguish between two or more targets that are close to one another in range or angle. A radar system with high target resolution can determine the precise location of a target, which is essential for effectively detecting how near or far an object is.

High target resolution allows the radar to accurately discern multiple objects without them interfering with one another, thereby providing clearer data on their distances and positions. It is particularly important in environments where multiple objects may be located in close proximity, such as in maritime navigation or aviation.

In contrast, while pulse duration is important for establishing the range of a target, receiver output relates to the signal strength that the radar can detect, and signal modulation is involved in encoding and transmitting radar signals. However, none of these other features specifically enhances the capability to precisely distinguish between nearby targets as effectively as target resolution does.