ACSO Basic Electronic Warfare Practice Test – Prep, Questions & Study Guide

The parameter that affects the minimum distance a target may be accurately displayed is pulse width (PW). Pulse width represents the duration of the transmitted pulse of energy in radar systems. A shorter pulse width allows for a higher resolution, which enables the radar to distinguish between targets that are closer together. This resolution is crucial for accurately displaying targets, especially when they are in proximity to one another.

When the pulse width is too long, it can lead to target blurring, where multiple targets may be displayed as a single target due to the inability to resolve them separately. Therefore, a shorter pulse width enhances target detection capabilities, allowing for accurate displays of targets at reduced minimum distances.