If an ARPA target shows conflicting echoes or incoherent returns, what is an appropriate action?

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When ARPA data becomes unreliable due to conflicting echoes or incoherent returns, automatic tracking cannot be trusted because the processor may lock onto a false target created by clutter, multipath, or multiple reflectors. The correct response is to switch to manual tracking, reacquire the target, and confirm with a trusted source before acting. Manual tracking lets you visually verify the target’s location and motion, reducing the chance of acting on a misleading track. Reacquiring the target helps ensure you’re following the same object, not a spur or nearby clutter. Then, confirming with a trusted source—such as cross-checking with another radar, AIS data, or a lookout—provides independent verification before you take action. Accepting the track as-is risks acting on erroneous information; ignoring echoes would leave you blind to real targets; and simply increasing radar PRF does not address the underlying inconsistency and can introduce new interpretation challenges.