What is the difference between a search radar and a tracking radar in terms of RF design?

A search radar and a tracking radar differ fundamentally in their RF design because they serve different functions in the detection-to-engagement chain. A search radar scans a large volume of airspace to detect and locate targets, requiring a wide-area antenna beam (typically a fan beam with 1-3 degrees azimuth and 10-40 degrees elevation), moderate resolution, and high average power to achieve detection at long range against small radar cross-section targets. A tracking radar follows individual targets with high accuracy, using a narrow pencil beam (typically 1-2 degrees in both planes) and specialized angle-measurement techniques such as monopulse or conical scan to determine target position with arc-minute precision. The RF design differences extend to every subsystem: search radars typically use long pulse waveforms with pulse compression to achieve range resolution while maintaining high average power, while tracking radars use shorter pulses or CW waveforms with higher PRF for more frequent position updates. Modern multifunction phased array radars combine both search and track functions in a single aperture by time-sharing the beam between search scan patterns and dedicated track dwells on individual targets.