AWR Radar Type RNAV

For a radio wave to reflect efficiently, the wavelength of the wave must be approximately the same size as the target object. In the case of weather, we want to be able to detect the large droplets associated with dangerous types of cloud (cumuliform) but ignore the smaller droplets associated with less dangerous types of cloud (stratiform). Consequently, a wavelength of 3 cm was chosen. This means, that, by definition, airborne weather radar operates at 9.375 GHz. The wave has to get there and back without the cloud actively replying (!) so it is a primary radar.