What is a direct consequence of the radar blind spot ahead of the ship during bow-on recovery?

• A. Increased deck occupancy
• B. Reduced visibility of inbound aircraft from the bow area
• C. Improved deck lighting
• D. Better pilot-to-ATC communication

Answer: (B)

Radar blind spots ahead of the ship during bow-on recovery create a gap in the radar picture that is directly in front of the vessel. The forward arc is blocked by the hull and superstructure, so inbound aircraft approaching from the bow area may not be seen clearly or at all on the radar display. This reduces radar visibility for those targets, meaning controllers must rely more on pilot position reports and radio coordination to maintain safe separation and sequencing. The other options don’t reflect a radar-related consequence of the bow-on blind spot.