Radar Reflector

A passive device designed to enhance a vessel’s visibility on radar systems by reflecting radar signals back to their source.

A radar reflector is a piece of safety equipment used in the maritime industry to ensure that vessels, particularly smaller or non-metallic ones, are more easily detected by radar systems. It is typically made of metal or other radar-reflective materials and is designed to create a strong radar echo by reflecting incoming radar waves back toward the emitting source. The reflector’s shape is often a geometric arrangement, such as a cluster of corner reflectors, which maximises its reflective properties by bouncing radar signals multiple times internally before directing them back. This increases the likelihood that the vessel will appear prominently on the radar screens of other ships, reducing the risk of collisions, especially in poor visibility conditions such as fog, heavy rain, or at night.

Radar reflectors are commonly installed on sailing yachts, small fishing boats, and other vessels that might otherwise have a low radar cross-section due to their size, material, or design. They can be mounted in various ways, such as on masts, poles, or rigging, and are often positioned as high as possible to maximise their effectiveness. Some radar reflectors are fixed, while others are designed to rotate or swing freely to maintain optimal orientation regardless of the vessel’s movement. While radar reflectors are passive devices and do not emit signals themselves, they play a vital role in maritime navigation and collision avoidance, complementing active systems like AIS (Automatic Identification System) and VHF radio communication.