Neets Master Glossary

1-31 GROUND RANGE—The distance on the surface of the earth between a radar and its target. Equal to slant range only if both radar and target are at the same altitude [18]. GROUND REFLECTION LOSS—The loss of RF energy each time a radio wave is reflected from the earth's surface [10]. GROUND SCREEN—A series of conductors buried below the surface of the earth and arranged in a radial pattern. Used to reduce losses in the ground [10]. GROUND WAVES—Radio waves which travel near the surface of the earth [10]. GROUP—A collection of units, assemblies, subassemblies, and parts. It is a subdivision of a set or system but is not capable of performing a complete operational function [17]. GROUP VELOCITY—The forward progress velocity of a wave front in a waveguide [11]. GROWN JUNCTION—A method of mixing P-type and N-type impurities into a single crystal while the crystal is being grown [7]. GUIDANCE RADAR—A system which provides information that is used to guide a missile to a target [18]. GYRO—Abbreviation for gyroscope [15]. GYROSCOPE—A mechanical device containing a spinning mass mounted so that it can assume any position in space [15]. HALF-POWER POINT—A point on a waveform or radar beam that corresponds to half the power of the maximum power point [8] [9] [18]. HALF-WAVE DIPOLE ANTENNA—An antenna, consisting of two rods (1/4 wavelength each) in a single line, that radiates electromagnetic energy [10]. HALF-WAVE RECTIFIER—A rectifier using only one-half of each cycle to change ac to pulsating dc [61 [7]. HALF-WAVE VOLTAGE DOUBLER—Two half-wave voltage rectifiers connected to double the input voltage [7]. HAND OVER—The operation where one earth terminal yields control to another as a satellite moves out of its area of coverage [17]. HARD-TUBE MODULATOR—A high-vacuum electron tube modulator that uses a driver for pulse forming [18]. HARMONIC—A frequency that is a whole-number multiple of a smaller base frequency [9] [10] [12] [17]. HEATER—Same as a FILAMENT [6]. HEAT SHUNT—A device (preferably a clip-on type) used to absorb heat and protect heat-sensitive components during soldering [4]. HEIGHT-FINDING RADAR—A radar that provides target altitude, range, and bearing data [18].