What is the primary purpose of airborne radar?

The primary purpose of airborne radar is indeed for weather penetration. This capability allows pilots to identify and navigate through various weather phenomena, specifically severe conditions such as thunderstorms or heavy precipitation. Airborne radar systems provide critical information about the location, intensity, and movement of precipitation, giving pilots the tools they need to make informed decisions about flight paths, ensuring safety during adverse weather conditions.

In contrast, while weather avoidance is also an important function of airborne radar, it is more specifically related to steering clear of dangerous weather rather than penetrating it. Communication with air traffic control (ATC) and passenger comfort monitoring have distinct roles that do not directly align with the primary function of airborne radar, which focuses predominantly on detecting and penetrating weather systems during flight. Therefore, understanding that the main utility of airborne radar is for weather penetration clarifies its essential role in flight operations, particularly in maintaining safety and operational efficiency.