Abstract: In an air traffic control radar system, a processor is described for correlating primary target data received from a target with a target report and a target track, wherein the processor has a search acquisition time that is adapted to the distance of the target from the radar site. The search acquisition time is shorter for more distant targets. The processor can employ a shorter cycle time (time quantum) to establish a correlation between target data and target reports than would otherwise be possible with conventional fixed search acquisition times. The average total dwell time may be reduced while complying with the mandated maximum processing time for more difficult radar reports.