An estimate of HF/VHF surface-wave communication link reaches in the West German forest environment

This report discusses the feasibility, from the standpoint of the communication link reaches attained, of using high frequency or very high frequency (HF/VHF) surface-wave links to support a nuclear survivable command and control system for NATO forces in Western Europe. The desired minimum link reach is determined by the 'nuclear-safe' separation between dispersed command and control elements. In order to estimate the link reach, we give careful attention to the effects of propagation, noise, and the link system parameters (in particular the antenna design and siting). Since much of Western Europe is forested, we have emphasized the treatment of propagation in a forest environment, a subject that is less well understood and documented than is propagation over open country. The report results indicate that the desired minimum link reach will be substantially exceeded in most cases.