Which radar type can compute range, bearing, and altitude of aircraft?

The correct answer is height finding search radar because this type of radar is specifically designed to determine not only the range and bearing of targets but also their altitude. This capability is essential for air traffic control and various military applications where knowing the vertical position of an aircraft is crucial for safe operations.

The height finding radar utilizes advanced signal processing and multiple antennas or techniques, such as pulse compression, to accurately calculate the altitude and provide a three-dimensional picture of the target's position in space. This feature distinguishes it from other radar types, which may primarily focus on horizontal tracking and may not have the resolution or technology to ascertain altitude effectively.

In contrast, while search radar and air search radar can measure range and bearing, they do not inherently include altitude measurement capabilities. Surface search radar focuses on tracking surface vessels or objects and does not have the mechanisms to compute altitude, making it unsuitable for calculating the vertical position of aircraft.