Which radar type is specifically used to guide aircraft during landing?

Approach radar is specifically designed to assist in the landing phase of aircraft operations. This type of radar provides precise guidance to pilots as they approach the runway, helping them maintain the correct flight path and make necessary adjustments in altitude and speed. It plays a vital role in ensuring safety and efficiency during landing procedures, especially in conditions where visibility may be limited.

This radar system typically functions in conjunction with other landing aids, like Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), to offer real-time information about the aircraft's position relative to the runway. By utilizing radio waves, approach radar can track the aircraft's movements and provide detailed data to air traffic controllers, who relay important guidance to the pilots.

In contrast, other radar types serve different purposes; for instance, surface search radar is primarily used for monitoring surface movements and detecting objects on the ground, and tracking radar is focused on following the flight paths of aircraft in the airspace rather than specifically guiding them during landing. Height finding search radar, while useful for detecting the elevation of flying objects, is not specifically tailored for landing guidance, making approach radar the appropriate choice for this context.