What is the optimum screening crest for the AN/TPQ-36 radar?

The optimum screening crest for the AN/TPQ-36 radar is 15-30 mils. This range is ideal because it allows the radar to maintain effective detection capabilities while minimizing the chances of clutter and false returns caused by terrain. When the screening crest is set within this mil range, it ensures that the radar can effectively differentiate between actual threats, like incoming artillery fire, and obstructions or disturbances in the environment, such as hills or buildings.

Selecting a crest that is too high could result in lost detection opportunities, as the radar may miss targets that are being obscured by the screening. Conversely, setting the crest too low would cause the radar to pick up unwanted ground reflections, leading to reduced operational efficiency. Therefore, 15-30 mils strikes an effective balance, maximizing the radar's ability to fulfill its purpose of detecting and tracking incoming projectiles accurately.