Not all of these modes are applicable to all radars and certain radars have additional modes. This is particularly useful during flight into unfamiliar territory when clouds, haze, or darkness obscure visibility. Wind influences are taken into account, such that the radar can also be used to update the aircraft inertial navigation system.
Limitations are easy deception by enemy jamming, and less range when compared to other modes.
Although velocity search can work against tail-on targets, the Doppler return is weaker, consequently the maximum detection range is also much less. A mode in which the radar has an STT on a single target, but is routinely driven off by a small amount in order to determine if multiple aircraft exists in the immediate vicinity of the target aircraft. Highly precise STT modes are used to provide the most accurate information to the fire control computer so that accurate missile or gun firing can be accomplished. The fire control radar continuously directs energy at the target so that the fired missile locates and tracks on the reflected energy from the target. Air combat maneuvering modes are automatic modes in which the radar has several sweep patterns fixed about the aircraft axis, such that little or no work is required of the pilot in order to lock up a target.