The SSR equipment carried onboard an aircraft is called a ____.
Answer
transponder
Explanation
The aircraft's **transponder** receives SSR interrogations and transmits coded replies. This makes secondary radar different from primary radar, which detects energy reflected from the aircraft. Transponder modes may provide identity and, in Mode C, pressure-altitude information.\n\n**Key takeaway:** The aircraft replies to SSR through its transponder.\n\n**Glossary:** **SSR**: secondary surveillance radar; **interrogation**: signal requesting a transponder reply.