Which aspect is essential for a radar to effectively distinguish targets on the same bearing?

To effectively distinguish targets on the same bearing, a radar system requires a narrow pulse. A narrow pulse allows for better temporal resolution, meaning that the radar can more accurately determine the time it takes for the signals to return from different targets. This is crucial when targets are closely spaced together since the radar must be capable of resolving their individual echoes.

When a radar emits a narrow pulse, it creates a shorter duration of signal transmission. This results in a clearer distinction between the reflected signals from separate targets that may be located along the same line of sight. In contrast, a wide pulse would produce a longer signal duration, which might cause the echoes from multiple targets to overlap in time and impair the radar's ability to differentiate between them.

In summary, a narrow pulse is fundamental for improving the resolution and accuracy of target detection in radar systems, particularly when dealing with multiple targets on the same bearing.