Radar radiation hazard?
 

Gents,

I have recently accepted a bit of freelance work on a piston twin equipped with a side-looking-airborne-radar (SLAR). This is mounted inside and underneath the aircraft. My limited knowledge of technical installations and radars in particular drives me to ask a few questions.

The radar appears to be of a "mature" age. From the setup in the aircraft I would guess early 80's (or from an episode of Startrek). I would not be surprised if this thing has a very high output.

Should I rule out any radiation danger as pilot on this aircraft? Is this type of radiation dangerous and should I assume that the radar head is shielded in a sufficient manner?

I would appreciate some insight on the subject before I possibly nominate myself for the Darwin Award.

Regards

MAS

As it says on the box - "Side Looking Radar" It radiates to the side, not up into the aircraft.

There used to be weather radars that used an antenna that rotated through 360-degrees but in these cases the crew compartment (and more to the point, the receiver!) was protected by radar absorbent material. I haven't seen one in operational use since 1985 though. I hardly think the Darwin awards come into it...

You'll live. Just dont put your tongue on it.

"Just dont put your tongue on it."

:O That reminds me of a joke about what 9v batteries and a certain part of a ladies body have in common!

You you shouldn't but sooner or later you will put your tongue on it!

All antennas have side lobes. It's unavoidable so not all the radiation will be directed in the desired direction. Some will no doubt be directed towards the aircraft. A metal aircraft skin should provide some sort of sheilding though.