Glossary R

Rad-hard is an ability after of radiation hardening which is the process of making electronic components and circuits resistant to damage or malfunction caused by high levels of ionizing radiation (particle radiation and high-energy electromagnetic radiation), especially for environments in outer space (especially beyond the low Earth orbit), around nuclear reactors and particle accelerators, or during nuclear accidents or nuclear warfare.

Radar is a type of technology that uses radio waves to detect the presence, location, and movement of objects. In the aerospace industry, radar is used for a variety of purposes, including air traffic control, weather forecasting, and military surveillance.

Radiation is the energy or particles released from sources like radioactive materials, explosions, and chemical reactions. This includes energy waves on the electromagnetic spectrum.

The radio frequency (RF) is the typical frequency which is used for radio communication.

A Radiometer is an instrument to measure total energy or power from an object in the form of radiation, especially infrared radiation.

Radiometry is a set of techniques for measuring electromagnetic radiation, including visible light. Radiometric techniques in optics characterize the distribution of the radiation's power in space, as opposed to photometric techniques, which characterize the light's interaction with the human eye.

A radome (radar and dome) is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects a radar antenna. The radome is constructed of material transparent to radio waves. Radomes protect the antenna from weather and conceal antenna electronic equipment from view. They also protect nearby personnel from being accidentally struck by quickly rotating antennas.

In the aerospace context, readiness refers to the ability of a aircraft, spacecraft, or other aerospace system to perform its intended mission when called upon to do so.

In the aerospace context, real-time refers to the ability to process and respond to information as it is received, without any significant delay. In other words, real-time systems are able to process and act on data as it is received, rather than waiting for the data to be collected and analyzed at a later time.

Reaper is a brand name for a type of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developed by the American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).

In the aerospace context, a receiver is a device that is used to receive signals from a transmitter. Receivers are used in a wide range of applications in the aerospace industry, including communication, navigation, and surveillance.

Reconnaissance is a mission to obtain information by visual observation or other detection methods, about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or about the meteorologic, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.