Definition
An aircraft return on an air traffic control radar display that the system has identified, associated with a data tag (such as call sign, altitude, and groundspeed), and is actively following from sweep to sweep. A tracked target is distinguished from an untracked or primary-only return because the radar system continuously updates the aircraft's position and presents its data block to the controller.
Plain English
An aircraft that the radar is locked onto and following, with its identification and altitude shown next to the blip on the controller's screen.
Context Anchor
Seen in descriptions of air traffic control radar displays used by Center and Approach/Departure controllers.
Derivation
From 'track,' meaning to follow the path of something over time. The radar 'tracks' the target by updating its position with each radar sweep, so a 'tracked target' is one being continuously followed rather than just briefly detected.
Why Pilots Care
Allows controllers to provide accurate vectors, maintain separation, and issue timely traffic advisories.
Intuition Check
Do not read tracked target as a threat or a destination. In this context, it means a radar contact that the air traffic system is following on the controller’s display.
Example Sentence 1
Once the transponder code was entered, the aircraft appeared as a tracked target on the controller's scope with full altitude and identification data.
Example Sentence 2
Once the flight was identified, it appeared as a tracked target with altitude and groundspeed data on the scope.