Which sensor provides altitude data to support 3D target tracking?

• A. Height-finder radars provide altitude data for 3D tracking.
• B. Primary surveillance radar.
• C. Electronic warfare receiver.
• D. Acoustic sensor network.

Answer: (A)

Altitude data is what completes the three dimensions needed for tracking a target in 3D space. Height-finder radars are built to determine how high a target is by measuring its elevation angle; when you combine that elevation with the known range, you can compute the target’s altitude. This capability is why height-finder radars provide the altitude information used for 3D tracking.

Other sensors don’t fit that role: a primary surveillance radar mainly gives horizontal position—range and azimuth—and may require a separate sensor for altitude. An electronic warfare receiver is used for detecting and analyzing intercepted signals, not for measuring height. An acoustic sensor network relies on sound and isn’t suited for determining aircraft altitude.