A method and apparatus for estimating the detection range R 1 of a radar in the presence of noise and clutter. The radar return signals from a range cell under test and from a plurality of surrounding range cells on either side of the range cell under test are measured. From the values of the return signals from the surrounding cells a factor * small Greek alpha * is determined. The mean value of those signals is then multiplied to form a threshold value for determining the presence or absence of a target. A desired false alarm rate is maintained, however. A number of radar return signals sufficient substantially to average out local variations in clutter are used to determine a mean clutter value m c . A value which is a function of * small Greek alpha * and m c is output as the estimate of detection range R* three eighths *. If a PP 1 display is used, the colour of the background may indicate whether detection is likely or not.
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