What information does primary radar provide?

Primary radar provides basic position information about aircraft, including their distance and bearing from the radar site. It operates by sending out radio waves that bounce off objects, such as aircraft, and return to the radar system, allowing air traffic controllers to determine the location of an aircraft in three-dimensional space, which includes its altitude when integrated with additional equipment.

Furthermore, primary radar can also indicate the presence of high terrain or obstacles in the radar coverage area, giving controllers vital situational awareness. This capability is essential for maintaining safe operations, especially in complex environments where terrain can affect flight paths.

The other options do not accurately describe the capabilities of primary radar. For instance, primary radar does not provide detailed aircraft identification or specific altitude and speed of an aircraft unless combined with secondary radar or additional systems, nor does it distinguish between aircraft with or without transponders.