RF sky-wave backscatter radar for over-the-horizon detection

The environmental factors that impact the design and peformance of over-the-horizon backscatter (OTH-B) radars are reviewed in this paper along with the quantitative characteristics at higher frequency (HF) of targets, external noise, and deleterious propagation effects. The performance as limited by these environmental factors is also examined. Key design considerations in the synthesis of cost effective systems are reviewed.