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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

The threshold level of star detection is a function of _________(a) Star brightness(b) Star position fix(c) Star size(d) Sky viewI have been asked this question in semester exam.This interesting question is from Stellar Sensor Design in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) Star brightness

The EXPLANATION is: The threshold level of star detection is a FUNCTION of star brightness and noise variance and is PERFORMED on subsum of pixels of a size to contain star IMAGE.

2.

The use of ______ allows a small sky background view with a large telescopic field view?(a) CCD(b) CVF(c) VVR(d) CSKThe question was posed to me during an interview for a job.This intriguing question comes from Stellar Sensor Design in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right answer is (a) CCD

The EXPLANATION: The use of CCD arrays allows a small instantaneous field of view for SKY BACKGROUND, for improved signal to noise ratio, while maintaining a large telescopic field of view.

3.

The photovoltaic or photoconductive detectors are packaged as ___________(a) Star detectors(b) Star position fixer(c) Charge coupled devices(d) Photon coupled devicesI had been asked this question during an online exam.Enquiry is from Stellar Sensor Design in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right choice is (C) Charge coupled devices

The best explanation: The photovoltaic or photoconductive detectors are PACKAGED as charge coupled devices. These can produce an array of SMALL cells or pixels. CCD is a CLOSELY SPACED monolithic array of metal insulator semiconductor capacitors.

4.

The ratio of the photons converted to signal generating electrons to the total number of photons arriving is called as?(a) Quantum efficiency(b) Photon ratio(c) Conversion ratio(d) Photons to electron ratioThe question was posed to me in final exam.This question is from Stellar Sensor Design in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Quantum efficiency

The best EXPLANATION: Only a certain number of PHOTONS arriving at the detector are CONVERTED to signal GENERATING ELECTRONS. The quantum efficiency of the detector is defined as the ratio of the photons converted to signal generating electrons to the total number of photons arriving.

5.

The effect of night sky background effect is negligible with respect to star power.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an online quiz.The origin of the question is Stellar Sensor Design topic in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) True

The EXPLANATION: The night SKY radiance is so low that its effect may be ignored in COMPARISON with star POWER. The day light sky, however, is extremely BRIGHT in comparison with a star. Typically, the sea level sky radiance, 45° from the sun on a clear day is about 2000ft-lamberts.

6.

The sky background power does not depend on _______(a) Effective entrance area to the telescope(b) Field of view of the telescope(c) Background radiance(d) Intensity of observing starI have been asked this question in an internship interview.Enquiry is from Stellar Sensor Design topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) Intensity of observing star

Easiest explanation: The power from the sky BACKGROUND at the focal PLANE of a telescope depends on the background RADIANCE, the effective entrance AREA, and the FIELD of view of the telescope.

7.

The star signal power does not depend on _____________(a) Spectral irradiance of stellar light(b) Spectral response of the light detector(c) Brightness of the star(d) Size of the starThe question was asked in an online interview.My doubt is from Stellar Sensor Design topic in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right answer is (d) SIZE of the star

The explanation is: Star SIGNAL power is the EFFECTIVE area of the telescope TIMES the irradiance of the star. It depends on the spectral irradiance of the STELLAR light, the spectral response of the light detector, and the brightness of the star.

8.

Anti reflection coated optics reduce __________(a) Optical transmission losses(b) Reflection angle(c) Refraction(d) Intensity of star imageThis question was posed to me in a job interview.The doubt is from Stellar Sensor Design topic in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) OPTICAL transmission losses

For explanation: For anti-reflection coated optics, the optical transmission losses may be 1% or 2% at each air to glass or glass to air optical control surface within the telescope, including windows or sensor covers or SURFACES. For uncoated optics, the loss per surface is about 4% to 5%.
9.

Star signal power is directly proportional to an effective area of a telescope.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in class test.This intriguing question comes from Stellar Sensor Design in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right answer is (a) True

For explanation I WOULD say: The signal power of a STAR, as seen by a light DETECTOR at the focal plane of the TELESCOPE, is the effective area of the telescope ENTRANCE times the irradiance of the star.

10.

The physical size of the star depends upon __________(a) Angular size of image(b) Intensity of image(c) Colour of image(d) Shape of imageI had been asked this question in an online interview.I'd like to ask this question from Stellar Sensor Design topic in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right option is (a) ANGULAR SIZE of image

The best explanation: The PHYSICAL size of the STAR image depends on the angular size of the image and the EFFECTIVE focal length of the telescope:were d is the physical diameter of the rings in the diffraction image.

11.

The ratio of the focal length to aperture is called the __________(a) Critical aperture(b) Effective aperture(c) Focal number(d) f/ numberI had been asked this question in semester exam.Query is from Stellar Sensor Design in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) f/ NUMBER

Easiest explanation: The ratio of FOCAL length to APERTURE is called the f/ number. For example, an f/10 telescope may have a 30 in. focal length and a 3 in. aperture.

12.

What is the image of the star at the focal plane called as?(a) Star fixed image(b) Celestial interference image(c) Diffraction limited image(d) Spot imageThe question was asked in final exam.This interesting question is from Stellar Sensor Design in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (c) Diffraction limited image

For EXPLANATION: The image of a star at the focal plane of the TELESCOPE with perfect, unobstructed OPTICS is a bright spot surrounded by a series of concentric dark and light RINGS. This image is called a diffraction limited image.

13.

What is the physical diameter of the first optical element in the telescope?(a) Optical aperture(b) Field of view(c) Effective focal length(d) Light detectorI got this question in a national level competition.This key question is from Stellar Sensor Design in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Optical aperture

To explain I WOULD say: Each DESIGN of a telescope is characterized by an optical aperture, an effective focal LENGTH, and a field of VIEW. The optical aperture is the physical DIAMETER of the first element in the telescope.

14.

The angular error is the angular difference between computed LOS and the physical star sensor LOS.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in homework.My doubt is from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) True

The explanation: The ANGULAR error which is measured by a star sensor is the angular DIFFERENCE between the COMPUTED (error corrected) LOS to the star and the physical star sensor LOS.
15.

Which of the following uses lens and mirrors for focusing?(a) Refractive(b) Reflecting(c) Catadioptric(d) OrthogonalThe question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Stellar Sensor Design in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) Catadioptric

Explanation: TELESCOPES are of three types: refractive, which uses lenses as their primary FOCUSING ELEMENTS, reflective, which uses a CURVED mirror for focusing, and catadioptric, which mix mirror and lens systems.

16.

The inertial LOS to any star is precisely given from _______(a) Star tracker(b) Star catalog(c) Air data computer(d) Celestial fixThe question was asked in an online interview.My question comes from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) Star catalog

To EXPLAIN I would say: The APPLICATION of Kalman filter begins with the precise MATHEMATICAL definition of the star observation. The inertial line of sight to any GIVEN star is precisely KNOWN from the star catalog.

17.

The observability problems are greatly intensified if the telescope is rigidly mounted to the IMU.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in unit test.This intriguing question originated from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (a) True

For explanation: OBSERVABILITY problems associated with the Kalman filter are greatly intensified in a STELLAR inertial navigation system if the telescope is rigidly mounted to the IMU even THOUGH the IMU is gimballed to provide star pointing.

18.

The sensors that maintain a centered star image for celestial navigation is called as _________(a) Star fixer(b) Celestial fixer(c) Star tracker(d) Star searcherThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» RIGHT answer is (c) Star tracker

To explain I WOULD say: The star sensors have a narrow field of view and maintain a CENTERED star image through the gimbal drive commands and are CALLED star trackers. They have day and night tracking capability, given reasonable CLOUD cover conditions.
19.

Which of the following is required to integrate stellar navigation and inertial navigation to get the best estimate navigation solution?(a) Kalman filter(b) Star fix(c) Celestial fix(d) Multisensor processingThe question was asked in examination.My question comes from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» RIGHT option is (a) Kalman filter

Easiest EXPLANATION: Navigational systems use Kalman filtering techniques to integrate all the sensed navigational data to obtain the best estimate navigation solution. The use of Kalman filter to integrate STELLAR measurements requires that STAR OBSERVATIONS and errors be correctly modeled.
20.

What is it called when the position is determined by angles between a star and an accurate time reference?(a) Position fix(b) Celestial fix(c) Sun fix(d) Horizontal fixI have been asked this question in an interview for job.Question is taken from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Celestial FIX

Best explanation: Navigators on early TRANSOCEANIC flights used sextants to manually measure STAR angle with RESPECT to their local vertical. Using the line of sights form two or more stars, along with a star catalog and accurate time REFERENCE, the position in Earth latitude and longitude can be deduced. This was known as celestial fix.

21.

Which of the following can be used to estimate the latitude in the northern hemisphere using the horizon as a reference?(a) North pole(b) Magnetic north(c) Polaris(d) Orion’s beltThe question was posed to me during an online exam.This intriguing question originated from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (c) Polaris

To explain: The north STAR or Polaris can be used to estimate latitude in the NORTHERN hemisphere using the horizon as a local LEVEL REFERENCE at the observers position. This type of navigation was used by the ancient mariners.

22.

Why is the inertial navigation system combined with celestial navigation system?(a) Correction of drift error(b) Deriving true north(c) Deriving magnetic north(d) Correction for weather effectsI had been asked this question in exam.This intriguing question comes from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Correction of DRIFT error

Easy explanation: Inertial navigational suffer from drift after long HOURS of using. SINCE the position error growth of these FREE inertial navigation systems was excessive on long flights, it was natural to periodically update their position with position updates from manual STAR fixing.

23.

Which of the following are false with respect to stellar navigation?(a) Can be used in daylight and at night(b) Position and altitude can be measured(c) Non-radiating(d) Cannot be jammedThis question was posed to me in a job interview.I would like to ask this question from Stellar Inertial Navigation Theory topic in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) POSITION and altitude can be measured

For explanation: High precision stellar inertial navigation systems have been DEVELOPED with automatic daylight and NIGHT star tracking system. These are highly useful for military aircraft in that they provide accurate position and attitude information, are autonomous, NON radiation and are invulnerable to jamming.

24.

What type of waveform must be transmitted to reduce Doppler shit errors?(a) Square(b) Triangular(c) Sine(d) CosineThe question was asked in homework.Asked question is from Radar Altimeter topic in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (b) Triangular

Best explanation: To reduce the ERRORS due to the Doppler shift of the return, a triangular waveform is usually used to modulate the transmitter. Thus a positive Doppler shift will produce a negative frequency ERROR on the rising modulation SLOPE. By averaging the frequency count the error can be MINIMIZED.

25.

Which of the following is responsible for the reduced use of transmitter power in radar altimeter?(a) Low range(b) Interference with other bands(c) Receiver low noise amplifier(d) RadomeThe question was asked in class test.My question is taken from Radar Altimeter in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (c) Receiver low noise AMPLIFIER

To elaborate: The TRANSMITTER power depends on the SENSITIVITY of the receiver. The receiver low noise amplifier typically has a 2 to 3 dB noise figure, resulting in a sensitivity level that allows relatively low transmitter power.

26.

Which of the following is true with respect with solid state transmitters in pulsed radar altimeters?(a) Input power is around 100W(b) Use receiver pre-amplifiers(c) High reliability(d) Small sizeThis question was addressed to me in a job interview.The doubt is from Radar Altimeter topic in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Input power is around 100W

For explanation: The early pulsed radars were evolved to 5W solid state transmitters incorporating receiver pre-amplifiers. They ALSO PROVIDED a high DEGREE of RELIABILITY, low probability of intercept, small size, and high ACCURACY.

27.

What is the frequency designated to radar altimeters?(a) 4.2 to 4.4 GHz(b) 2.4 to 4.2 GHz(c) 500 to 1 GHz(d) 13 to 14 GHzI got this question in an international level competition.This key question is from Radar Altimeter topic in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) 4.2 to 4.4 GHz

The best EXPLANATION: The frequency band of 4.2 to 4.4 GHz is assigned to radar ALTIMETERS. This frequency band is high enough to result in a reasonable small sized antenna to produce 40° to 50° beam but significantly low so that attenuation by RAIN is minimum.

28.

What is the function leading edge range tracker servo loop?(a) Provide range to the nearest return(b) Speed measurements(c) Vertical speed measurement(d) Automatic ground navigationI got this question during an interview for a job.This question is from Radar Altimeter topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (a) Provide RANGE to the nearest return

Easiest explanation: To provide a range to the nearest return within the BOUNDS of the antenna beam, many modern radar altimeters incorporate the gate in a pulse modulated radar or a FILTER in a frequency modulated radar over the leading EDGE of the return.

29.

Altimeters that are specifically designed to provide mark signals at specific altitudes for automatic operations are called as _________(a) Radar altimeter(b) Pressure altimeter(c) Altitude marking radar(d) Mark altimeterThis question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Origin of the question is Radar Altimeter in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Altitude marking radar

The explanation: Altitude marking radar are generally low altitude altimeter designed specifically to PROVIDE MARK signals at SPECIFIC altitudes for initiation of an automatic operation such as fuze TRIGGERING on submunitions or CHUTE opening on lunar landing systems.

30.

What is the maximum altitude that can be measured using a radio altimeter?(a) 100ft(b) 500ft(c) 50 ft(d) 5000ftI had been asked this question in an interview.My question is taken from Radar Altimeter topic in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» RIGHT choice is (d) 5000ft

Easy EXPLANATION: Radio altimeters are GENERALLY used for measuring altitude during LANDING or take off. A radio altimeter gives the distance between the aircraft and the GROUND and not the pressure altitude. Maximum range of a radio altimeter is 5000ft but is usually switched to at 2500ft.
31.

A Janus configuration has less error than a non-Janus configuration.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in final exam.Question is from Doppler Radar in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right option is (a) True

Easiest explanation: The important advantage that the Janus configuration has over the non-Janus type is a much LOWER SENSITIVITY of velocity error SINCE the VERTICAL altitude of the aircraft is known.

32.

Why is the radio altimeter placed in the tail of aircraft?(a) Can be placed anywhere(b) When landing tail is closer to the ground(c) When landing nose is closer to the ground(d) Weight balanceI had been asked this question in my homework.This key question is from Radar Altimeter in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) When landing tail is closer to the ground

Easiest explanation: When an aircraft lands it has to do the flare maneuver where the pilot pitches the aircraft’s NOSE up to slow down the plane. Radio altimeter measures precise distance from the ground and SINCE the tail is closer to the ground than the nose, to measure the minimum distance it is PLACED in the tail.
33.

What is the number of beams that a Doppler radar uses?(a) 4(b) 2(c) 1(d) 3This question was addressed to me in an interview for job.My query is from Doppler Radar in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct option is (a) 4

The EXPLANATION is: Although only three beams are required to provide the three components of velocity, most MODERN Doppler radars EMPLOY four beams, because of the PLANAR array antennas generally four such beams. The fourth beam shift can be combined with that of the third to obtain a more accurate component of velocity.

34.

The configuration in which the Doppler radar beams are both forward and backward looking is called as?(a) Janus(b) Dual(c) Redundant(d) Wide beamI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from Doppler Radar topic in division Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right option is (a) JANUS

To elaborate: Since the three orthogonal components of velocity are of interest, a minimum of three noncoplanar BEAMS are required to measure the three components. Since such a beam configuration has both forward and rearward looking beams it is CALLED Janus configuration, NAMED after the roman GOD who has the ability to look backward as well as forward.

35.

Doppler radar cannot be used in helicopters.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an internship interview.This question is from Doppler Radar topic in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right choice is (b) False

The explanation: Helicopters fly at a very slow speed where the conventional pitot TUBE system may fail. In order to measure accurate airspeed below 40 knots, other SYSTEMS such as the Doppler RADAR is used. It is suitable for three dimensional VELOCITY and low velocity measurement, as required for helicopter navigation.

36.

What is the change in the observed frequency called?(a) Doppler shift(b) Differential frequency(c) Delta frequency(d) Delta shiftI have been asked this question in final exam.My query is from Doppler Radar in section Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct option is (a) DOPPLER shift

Explanation: In Doppler radar, there is a change in reflected frequency when there is RELATIVE motion between the transmitter and the receiver. This change in frequency is CALLED the Doppler shift and is proportional to the relative SPEED between the transmitter and receiver.

37.

Which of the following is not true with respect to Doppler radar system?(a) Measures the ground velocity(b) Transmitter power is high and requires ground assistance(c) Velocity is extremely accurate(d) All weather systemThis question was posed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Origin of the question is Doppler Radar in portion Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Transmitter power is high and requires ground assistance

For explanation I WOULD say: The Doppler SYSTEM is self contained, it requires no ground BASED stations or satellite transmitters. The airborne transmitter power REQUIREMENTS are extremely small, which leads to low weight, size, and cost of equipment.

38.

The Doppler radar works by measuring the ________ of the reflected radio wave.(a) Intensity(b) Frequency(c) Doppler amplitude(d) Doppler shiftI have been asked this question during an online interview.Origin of the question is Doppler Radar in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer»

Right choice is (d) Doppler SHIFT

To elaborate: the velocity is determined by MEASURING the Doppler shift of microwave transmitted from the aircraft in several narrow beams POINTED toward the SURFACE at RELATIVELY steep angles, backscattered by the surface and received by the Doppler radar receiver.

39.

What is the primary function of the Doppler radar?(a) Determining true airspeed(b) Determining ground speed(c) Determining altitude(d) Detecting stealth aircraftI have been asked this question during an interview for a job.Question is taken from Doppler Radar in chapter Celestial Navigation, Doppler and Altimeter Radars of Avionics

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) Determining ground speed

Easy explanation: The primary function of a DOPPLER radar is to determine the velocity vector of an aircraft with RESPECT to the ground. The velocity COMPONENT can be integrated into distance travelled and hence Doppler radar can be used as a primary sensor for dead reckoning.