Subelement N: N – Marine— Topic 87: Survival Craft Equipment: VHF, SARTs & EPIRBs
Question 3-87N3
Element 3 (GROL)In which frequency band does a search and rescue transponder operate?
Explanation
Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs) are designed to aid in the location of survival craft by showing a distinctive series of dots on a ship's or aircraft's radar display. They specifically operate in the 9 GHz band, also known as X-band radar frequency (typically 9.2-9.5 GHz). When interrogated by an X-band radar, the SART transmits a sweeping signal that is easily identifiable on the radar screen, directing rescue efforts to the exact location.
Options B (3 GHz) and C (S-band) refer to lower radar frequencies, which are not the designated band for SART operation. Option D (406 MHz) is the frequency used by Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) to transmit distress signals via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, a different type of rescue beacon functionality altogether.
Related Questions
3-87N1 What causes the SART to begin a transmission?3-87N2 How should the signal from a Search And Rescue RADAR Transponder appear on a RADAR display?3-87N4 Which piece of required GMDSS equipment is the primary source of transmitting locating signals?3-87N5 Which of the following statements concerning satellite EPIRBs is true?3-87N6 What statement is true regarding 406 MHz EPIRB transmissions?