Which feature on radar can provide a direct readout of distance to a target when available?

Which feature on radar can provide a direct readout of distance to a target when available?

• A. Cursor
• B. Range scale
• C. Plot history
• D. Compass rose

Answer: (B)

Distance to a target is read directly from the range scale. The radar display uses concentric range rings or a numeric scale that shows how far away objects are from your own ship. By seeing where the target sits on the display and reading the corresponding distance on the range scale, you get the exact readout of how far away it is. Other features don’t give that immediate distance readout: the cursor is a measurement aid that may or may not display a readout, plot history shows past target positions, and the compass rose provides bearing, not distance.

Distance to a target is read directly from the range scale. The radar display uses concentric range rings or a numeric scale that shows how far away objects are from your own ship. By seeing where the target sits on the display and reading the corresponding distance on the range scale, you get the exact readout of how far away it is. Other features don’t give that immediate distance readout: the cursor is a measurement aid that may or may not display a readout, plot history shows past target positions, and the compass rose provides bearing, not distance.