The main lobe of the radar beam contains ___________ percent of the signal.

The main lobe of the radar beam contains approximately 80 percent of the signal. This is important because the main lobe is the area where the radar is most sensitive and where the majority of the energy is concentrated. When measuring speed or detecting vehicles, understanding the characteristics of the radar beam is crucial, as it helps law enforcement officers accurately gauge the speed of targets that enter the main lobe. The remaining percentage of the signal is dispersed in sidelobes, which have less intensity and are less reliable for accurate speed readings.

Knowing the distribution of the radar signal reinforces the need for proper placement and alignment of radar units to ensure they capture the targeted vehicles effectively, maximizing the likelihood that speed measurements represent true vehicle speeds.