What is the formula to compute target speed in RADAR?

The formula to compute target speed in RADAR is determined by subtracting the speed of the platform (PS, or Platform Speed) from the speed of the target (CS, or Target Speed). In this context, CS refers to the speed of the target relative to a stationary observer, while PS is the speed of the radar system itself, which could be moving or stationary.

When calculating the target speed (TS), it is crucial to have a clear understanding of relative motion. The target speed is a measure of how fast the target is moving in relation to the radar system, which may also be moving. Therefore, by subtracting the speed of the radar platform from the target's speed, we can isolate the target's speed in the radar's frame of reference, thus allowing for accurate speed determination.

This approach accounts for the effect of the radar system’s motion on the perceived speed of the target. It is particularly important in applications where both the radar system and the target may be in motion, such as in aviation or maritime tracking scenarios.