Comparison with Oblique Sounder Data of High-Latitude HF Propagation Predictions from 'RADAR C' and 'AMBCOM' Computer Program

• Main Author: Dave, Nikhil
• Other Authors: NAVAL OCEAN SYSTEMS CENTER SAN DIEGO CA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1988
• Subjects: Atmospheric Physics; Active & Passive Radar Detection & Equipment; Radiofrequency Wave Propagation; Radio Communications; *IONOSPHERE; *SUNSPOTS; *RADIO TRANSMISSION; *RADAR; *PREDICTIONS; *PROPAGATION; *SOUNDING; PATHS; HIGH LATITUDES; MODELS; AURORAE; COMPUTER PROGRAMS; REPRINTS; COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS; RADIATION ABSORPTION; HIGH FREQUENCY; WUDN587609; Resolute Bay
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA197731; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA197731

A study is done using two High Frequency (HC) propagation prediction programs - RADAR C and AMBCOM - to determine how well they predict median values of oblique sounder data of maximum observed frequencies (MOF) at high latitudes. The main differences between RADAR C and AMBCOM are the inclusion in the latter of high-latitude ionosphere and auroral absorption models, as well as a more sophisticated and accurate ray-tracing scheme. The data used for comparison are taken for the Winnipeg-Resolute Bay path in the year 1959 and for the Andoya-Ft. Monmouth and Andoya-College paths in 1964. The data for the Winnipeg-Resolute Bay corresponds to high sunspot number, while the others correspond to low sunspot number. Hence, this study provides information on the performance of the two programs for various high-latitude paths at both high and low sunspot number. AMBCOM was found to give generally better agreement with the above data than did RADAR C. Comparison of details of model predictions from the two computer programs for the above data-base is used to form an understanding of this improvement in prediction capability. Keywords: Radio transmission, Communications, Radio communications, Reprints.