This result and HC-130 FLAR work all seem to indicate that FLAR is far less efficient at poor radar reflective target detection. Presumably, this is due in part to the spreading of FLAR power over a much larger beam width. No attempt was made to test the ability of the FLAR to discriminate between various sizes of icebergs. Currently, the radar operators have limited experience in imaging icebergs, although they have much more experience in imaging vessels. Stationary small fishing vessel identification remains problematic even with FLAR because of their small target area, their lack of true motion, and their vertical motion that mimics the wave motion.
Much more work needs to be done on gaining FLAR identification experience.
This smaller track spacing would add an extra search day per bi-weekly period to cover the entire limits of all known ice. To avoid the added time and expense of a FLAR-only aircraft, Ice Patrol has combined the FLAR and SLAR in our operations. Figure 1 shows a typical Ice Patrol search pattern. The same track spacing as SLAR-only operations is used to continue to take maximum advantage of SLAR detection capabilities. Currently, the two radars are operated independently.