The Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) transmitter produces coded pulses up to what power level?

• A. 1,000 watts peak
• B. 5,000 watts peak
• C. 500 watts peak
• D. 2,000 watts peak

Answer: (D)

Peak power defines the energy in each transmitted pulse, which directly affects how reliably the MSSR can interrogate aircraft transponders at range. Monopulse secondary surveillance radars are designed to emit coded pulses with enough pulse energy to elicit a clear transponder reply while keeping the transmitter compact and within regulatory limits. In typical MSSR equipment, the transmitter is specified to produce coded pulses up to about 2,000 watts peak. This level provides a good balance between adequate detection range and practical hardware size and power handling.

Higher peaks, like 5,000 watts, would require larger, more complex transmitters and tighter RF safety and spectrum considerations, with diminishing returns in typical radar ranges. Lower peaks, such as 500 or 1,000 watts, would reduce pulse energy and degrade performance at the longer edge of coverage, making reliable interrogation more difficult.