Which factor is considered the principal one affecting RADAR performance?

The principal factor affecting RADAR performance is environmental conditions. RADAR systems operate by transmitting radio waves and analyzing the reflected signals, a process that can be significantly influenced by various environmental factors. These include atmospheric conditions such as humidity, precipitation, and temperature, which can affect the propagation of radar waves. Additionally, terrain and clutter can interfere with the ability to detect and accurately assess targets, thus impacting overall RADAR effectiveness.

Operator skill, while important, primarily determines how effectively the system is used and interpreted, but it does not fundamentally affect the inherent performance of the RADAR itself. Maintenance is critical to ensure the system functions correctly over time but is not as impactful as the immediate environmental conditions. Similarly, target size plays a role in detecting and tracking targets but is more of a consideration in specific scenarios rather than a principal factor impacting overall RADAR system performance across diverse conditions.