What is the purpose of a boresight check in radar alignment?

• A. Expand range resolution
• B. Increase radar duty cycle
• C. Verify cross-range alignment and reference targets
• D. Replace radar transceiver

Answer: (C)

A boresight check tests how well the radar’s pointing axis aligns with the intended reference frame. By using known reference targets or calibration points, you compare the radar’s reported bearing and elevation to the true angles. This verifies cross-range alignment—how accurately the radar measures azimuth and elevation relative to the reference axis—and ensures the system’s boresight matches the physical mounting and coordinate reference used for targeting. If discrepancies exist, the alignment can be adjusted so that bearing information and target localization are accurate.

This check doesn’t change how well the radar resolves range—the ability to distinguish targets in distance is set by the transmitted bandwidth and pulse properties. It also doesn’t affect how much the radar transmits over time (duty cycle) or involve replacing hardware like the transceiver. Those are separate maintenance or performance considerations.