radar beacon

radar beacon Word Origin noun

1. a radar device at a fixed location that, on receiving a radar signal, automatically transmits a particular radar signal in reply, identifying itself and enabling navigators of ships and aircraft to determine their distance and direction from it.

Origin of radar beacon First recorded in 1940–45 Also called racon. British Dictionary definitions for radar beacon radar beacon noun

1. a device for transmitting a coded radar signal in response to a signal from an aircraft or ship. The coded signal is then used by the navigator to determine his positionAlso called: racon