What is one limitation of primary surveillance radar (PSR)?

One notable limitation of primary surveillance radar (PSR) is its susceptibility to weather conditions. PSR operates by emitting radio waves and measuring the time it takes for these waves to bounce back after hitting an object, such as an aircraft. However, factors like rain, snow, and thunderstorms can scatter or absorb these signals, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in tracking targets. This can create challenges in maintaining consistent situational awareness in adverse weather conditions, potentially impacting air traffic control and safety.

In contrast to this limitation, the other options do not accurately describe the characteristics of PSR. For example, while high bandwidth is essential for some forms of radar, PSR typically does not require high bandwidth relative to other advanced systems. Additionally, maintenance costs can vary based on numerous factors, but they do not inherently make PSR more costly than other systems. Moreover, PSR indeed provides real-time data transmission, allowing for immediate updates on the location of tracked objects, which is a significant advantage in air traffic management.