What does the term "range resolution" refer to in RADAR?

The term "range resolution" in RADAR indeed refers to the ability to distinguish between two targets that are at different distances. This concept is critical in radar systems as it determines how close two objects can be to one another and still be detected as separate entities by the radar system. Greater range resolution enables a radar system to provide clearer and more detailed information about multiple targets, especially in scenarios where they are situated closely together.

Range resolution is primarily affected by the bandwidth of the radar signal; a system with a larger bandwidth can achieve finer range resolution compared to one with a narrower bandwidth. This characteristic is essential in applications such as air traffic control, maritime navigation, and ground surveillance, where distinguishing between objects at various distances is vital for safety and operational efficiency.

Other options relate to aspects of radar function but do not define range resolution specifically. For instance, measuring distance precisely and the maximum distance a radar signal can travel are important performance characteristics but do not address the differentiation of multiple targets. The time taken for a signal to return pertains more to the overall operational speed and timing of radar systems rather than the specific ability to resolve targets at different ranges.